Revised 2019 More entries for "chicken"

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chickennoun

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I.
A domestic fowl, and related senses.
1. 1. I.1.a.
    Old English–
    
    A domesticated gallinaceous bird (Gallus gallus domesticus) used as a source of eggs and meat, typically having a fairly large, stout body, a comb and wattles on the head, and large feet for foraging on the ground. In early use spec.: a young individual of this bird; = chick n.1 A.II.4 (now rare).
    Chickens were domesticated chiefly from the red junglefowl, G. gallus, at least five thousand years ago, probably originally in South Asia. They are now kept throughout the world in numerous breeds which vary in plumage, size, and shape.
    For occasional uses with unchanged plural see etymological note.
    OE
    Swa seo henn hyre cicenu [OE Lindisfarne Gospels cicceno, OE Rushworth Gospels ciken; Latin pullos] under hyre fyþeru gegaderað.
    West Saxon Gospels: Matthew (Corpus Christi Cambridge MS.) xxiii. 37
    a1382
    Aboute chykenys crowing [Latin circa pullorum cantum].
    Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Douce MS. 369(1)) (1850) Tobit viii. 11
    1526
    He..cherissheth vs, as the egle her byrdes: the broode henne her cheykyns.
    W. Bonde, Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Dv^v
    a1616
    To guard the Chicken from a hungry Kyte.
    W. Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2 (1623) iii. i. 249
    1741
    Two Members of the Academy have been employed to make the Experiments relating to the Cure of the Bite of Vipers, and they have accordingly made some upon Dogs, Cats, Pigeons, Chickens, Ducks and Turkeys.
    Philosophical Transactions 1737–8 (Royal Society) vol. 40 445
    1848
    A hen and her chickens are sometimes carried..to the turnip-field, in a sort of basket, called a brood-basket.
    Sketches Rural Affairs 236
    1887
    The farm people had all retired with the chickens long before.
    Scribner's Magazine May 622/1
    1908
    It is a disastrous betrayal of middle-class origin to speak of a ‘chicken’ as a ‘fowl’. Whatever the age of the bird, the word must always be chicken.
    Westminster Gazette 24 January 3/1
    1976
    South Africa has produced its very own, indigenous kind of fowl..called..the Potchefstroom koekoek... It produces chickens which can be readily identified as boys or girls immediately they hatch out.
    Eastern Province Herald (Port Elizabeth) 6 July 11
    2010
    Jimmy Doherty learns about the origins, social behaviour and intelligence of chickens.
    Guardian 10 July (Guide Supplement) 86/2
    birds
    the world animals birds order Galliformes (fowls) family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) genus Gallus (domestic fowl) [nouns] member of (fowl)
    chickenOld English–
    
    A domesticated gallinaceous bird (Gallus gallus domesticus) used as a source of eggs and meat, typically having a fairly large, stout body, a…
    chicka1398–
    
    A young domestic chicken, esp. one that is newly hatched.
    fowla1586–
    
    The prevailing sense: a ‘barn-door fowl’, a domestic cock or hen; a bird of the genus Gallus. In the U.S. applied also to ‘a domestic duck or…
    biddya1616–
    
    colloquial and regional. (A name for) a chicken, hen, or chick.
    chuck1615–
    
    Chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern). A chicken. Cf. chook, n.
    pull-fowla1688
    
    A domestic fowl; (in plural) poultry.
    chucky1724–
    
    Chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern). A chicken. Also more generally: any bird. More fully chuckie bird. Cf. chookie, n.
    dunghill1753–
    
    An ordinary domestic fowl, as opposed to a gamecock bred for fighting; (hence) a bird lacking in qualities regarded as desirable in a fighting cock…
    dunghill fowl1796
    
    Designating an ordinary, common, domestic cock or hen, as distinguished from game birds bred for fighting or (later) any improved breed, as dunghill…
    jungle-fowl1824–
    
    (a) An East Indian bird of the genus Gallus, esp. G. ferrugineus (G. bankiva); (b) a mound-bird of Australia, as Megapodius timulus.
    chookie1880–
    
    A chicken; (more generally) any bird. Also in chookie birdie. Cf. chook, n. 1a chucky, n. 2.
    chook1891–
    
    A chicken. Cf. chuck, n.² 2 chookie, n. 1.
    gump1914–
    
    A chicken.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world animals birds order Galliformes (fowls) family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) genus Gallus (domestic fowl) [nouns] member of (fowl) young or chicken
    chickenOld English–
    
    A domesticated gallinaceous bird (Gallus gallus domesticus) used as a source of eggs and meat, typically having a fairly large, stout body, a…
    chicka1398–
    
    A young domestic chicken, esp. one that is newly hatched.
    poulta1425–
    
    The young of the domestic fowl; a chick. Also (now usually): the young of the turkey, pheasant, guineafowl, and various game birds. In early use…
    chicken birdc1450–
    
    (a) A chicken (chicken, n. I.1a); (b) (chiefly U.S. and New Zealand) any of various wild birds that resemble chickens in some way (cf. chicken, n.…
    peepera1586–
    
    Something which peeps or cheeps; spec. a young chicken (or occasionally a young pigeon). Now chiefly U.S.
    peepling1594
    
    A small animal that cheeps or squeaks; a young chicken.
    game chicken1674–
    
    = game chick, n.; (also) a game fowl.
    peep1688–
    
    A young chicken. Cf. pee-pee, n.¹, peeper, n.¹ 1. Now U.S. regional.
    spring chicken1765–
    
    A small chicken, esp. one for eating; spec. a chicken of this type available in the spring.
    clucker1779–
    
    Originally: a hen used for breeding, or one inclined to brood (cf. cluck, n. A.2). In later use also more generally: a chicken or (occasionally)…
    chickabiddy1785–
    
    regional and in speech by and to young children. A young chicken; a chick.
    chicklet1836–
    
    A young bird; a small chick.
    chickie1851–
    
    Esp. in children's language: a young chicken, a chick.
    wing-chick1885–
    
    A young chicken still under the protection of its mother's wing.
    pee-pee1890–
    
    A small or young chicken. Also (chiefly Jamaican): a young turkey.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.1.b.
    a1398–1870
    
    † A young bird other than that of the domestic fowl; a nestling; = chick n.1 A.II.5. Obsolete.
    a1398
    Þe pocok..haþ chikenes in þe ende of þre ȝere.
    J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (British Library Add. MS. 27944) (1975) vol. I. xii. xxxii. 638
    1577
    The [Turkey's] Chickines being hatched vnder a Henne, may be kept with the Hennes Chickins.
    B. Googe, translation of C. Heresbach, Foure Bookes of Husbandry iv. f. 167^v
    1651
    The Chickins or young ones of such Birds as build in my Trees.
    W. G., translation of J. Cowell, Institutes of Lawes of England 58
    1780
    A raven..on her wicker-work high mounted Her chickens prematurely counted.
    W. Cowper, Fable 3
    1870
    The hen pheasant is much less careful to call her chickens together and keep them near her.
    translation of C. G. Leroy, Intelligence & Perfectibility Animals v. 70
    birds
    the world animals birds young bird [nouns]
    birdOld English–
    
    A nestling or fledgling; a chick; a young bird (see sense II.3). Now rare or disused.
    chicka1398–
    
    A young domestic chicken, esp. one that is newly hatched.
    chickena1398–1870
    
    A young bird other than that of the domestic fowl; a nestling; = chick, n.¹ A.II.5. Obsolete.
    brancher?a1400–
    
    A young hawk (or other bird) when it first leaves the nest and hops about the branches.
    pulla1500
    
    A young bird.
    birdling1611–
    
    A little or young bird; a nestling.
    puler1611–18
    
    A young bird, a fledgling. Obsolete.
    pullus1653–
    
    Originally: †a chick still within the egg (obsolete). In later use: a young bird, spec. one that is not yet able to fly (also as a modifier).
    squeaker1654–
    
    A bird or animal which squeaks. A young pigeon, partridge, etc.
    birdeen1829–
    
    A pet name (or a child's name) for: a small or young bird.
    chicklet1836–
    
    A young bird; a small chick.
    baby bird1841–
    
    chirpling1888–
    
    Little chirper; young bird, ‘chick’.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
2. I.2.
  1381–
  
  A chicken or its flesh used as food.
  1381
  Nym kedys or chekenys & hew hem in morsellys.
  Diuersa Servicia in C. B. Hieatt & S. Butler, Curye on Inglysch (1985) 64
  c1405 (c1387–95)
  To boille the chiknes [c1415 Corpus Christi Oxford MS. chikenes, c1430 Cambridge MS. Gg.4.27 chekenys] with the Marybones.
  G. Chaucer, Canterbury Tales Prologue (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 382
  1543
  A brothe of stamped and strayned almandes, in the brothe of a chicken wyth a lytle suggre.
  B. Traheron, translation of J. de Vigo, Most Excellent Workes of Chirurgerye ii.iii. f. xvi^v
  1654
  Dish the Chickens and pour this sauce on them, laying on the chickens boyled Aspuragus, hard Lettuce scalded, a little handful of scalded Gooseberries.
  J. Cooper, Art of Cookery 16
  1760
  The Company may..refresh themselves with cold Tongue, Chicken, and French Rolls.
  T. Warton, Idler 26 January 25
  1881
  Sloper had roast chicken for dinner.
  Judy 30 March 155/1
  1901
  Put the largest slice of chicken in the centre of the dish.
  Massachusetts Ploughman 28 September 6/3
  2002
  It put me off eating chicken for the next 20 years.
  Times 13 July 45/1
  the world food and drink food animals for food fowls [nouns] chicken
  chicken1381–
  
  A chicken or its flesh used as food.
  March chick1600
  
  (a) A chicken hatched in March; (b) (in extended use) a precocious youth.
  poulet1764–
  
  Chiefly in France or French contexts: a chicken (esp. as food); chicken meat.
  spring chicken1765–
  
  A small chicken, esp. one for eating; spec. a chicken of this type available in the spring.
  chicken meat1826–
  
  The flesh of a chicken as food.
  murgi1863–
  
  A chicken; (also) chicken meat.
  broiler1876–
  
  spec. A chicken for broiling. Now normally reared in close confinement in a broiler house. Also transferred and attributive.
  chookie1889–
  
  A chicken or its flesh used as food. Occasionally in chookie birdie. Cf. chook, n. 1b.
  petit poussin1895–
  
  Chiefly in contexts of French cookery: a young chicken.
  poussin1900–
  
  Chiefly in contexts of French cookery: a young chicken; = petit poussin, n.
  chook1904–
  
  A chicken or its flesh used as food. Cf. chookie, n. 2.
  fryer1923–
  
  A chicken suitable for frying. U.S.
  murgh1976–
  
  In the names of Indian dishes: chicken meat.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. I.3.
  1812–
  
  Usually with distinguishing word. Any of various other birds that resemble chickens in some way, esp. (in North America) grouse of the genera Tympanuchus and Centrocercus.
  meadow chicken, prairie chicken, sage chicken, etc.: see the first element.
  See also Mother Carey's chicken n. at Mother Carey n. 1.
  1812
  4 Men went out to hunt..got this Day 21 Chickens.
  J. C. Luttig, Journal Exped. Upper Missouri 14 October (1920) 86
  1832
  The French Creoles call them ‘des Phesants’, the pheasants, or ‘poule de prairie’, ‘prairie chicken’, by which latter name, and ‘prairie hen’, all the people of Illinois and Missouri call them.
  American Turf Reg. & Sporting Magazine August 589
  1888
  At East Haddam, Conn., it [sc. Porzana carolina] is the Meadow Chicken.
  G. Trumbull, Names & Portraits of Birds 132
  1902
  We..shot some young sage chickens, which were good at supper, roasted at our camp-fire.
  O. Wister, Virginian iv. 53
  1959
  He has seen a chicken isolated from others by sagebrush dancing in perfect harmony.
  Calgary (Alberta) Herald 1 August 19/1
  2002
  Prairie-chickens. The Attwater's..is closely related to other grouse with the ‘prairie-chicken’ moniker.
  National Geographic March 55 (caption)
  birds North American English
  the world animals birds order Galliformes (fowls) family Tetraonidae (grouse) [nouns] genus Tympanuchus tympanuchus cupido (prairie-chicken)
  pheasant1625–
  
  Any of various birds related to the pheasants or resembling them, esp. in having long tails; spec. (a) North American any of various grouse, esp.…
  mountain cock1791–1805
  
  U.S. Either of two large American grouse: (a) A grouse resembling the capercaillie, perhaps the ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus; (b) the sage grouse…
  prairie fowl1804–
  
  = prairie grouse, n.
  prairie hen1804–
  
  = prairie chicken, n. 1.
  prairie cock1805–
  
  Any of several grouse found on the prairies; esp. the sage grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, or the prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido.
  pinnated grouse1811–
  
  The prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido, which has winglike tufts of feathers on the neck.
  chicken1812–
  
  Usually with distinguishing word. Any of various other birds that resemble chickens in some way, esp. (in North America) grouse of the genera Tympan…
  prairie chicken1832–
  
  Each of three large North American grouse constituting the genus Tympanuchus, found chiefly on the prairies and in sagebrush, the males of which are…
  prairie grouse1851–
  
  A grouse found on the prairies; spec. the prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world animals birds order Galliformes (fowls) family Tetraonidae (grouse) [nouns] genus Tympanuchus tympanuchus phasianellus (pintail)
  pheasant grouse1772–
  
  Any of certain long-tailed game birds, esp. the North American sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus.
  chicken1812–
  
  Usually with distinguishing word. Any of various other birds that resemble chickens in some way, esp. (in North America) grouse of the genera Tympan…
  pintail1879–
  
  Any of various other birds having a pointed tail, esp. (a) = pin-tailed sandgrouse, n.; (b) North American (more fully pintail chicken) = pin-tailed g…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
II.
A person likened to a chicken.
1. 1. II.4.a.
    c1440–
    
    A child. Frequently in figurative contexts with reference to sense I.1a. Cf. chick n.1 A.I.1. Now rare.
    c1440 (?a1400)
    The churles chekyne hade chaungyde his armes.
    Morte Arthure l. 4181 (Middle English Dictionary)
    1603
    From me quite, my youngest Chicken swept; Then to the other, he full nimbly leapt.
    W. Muggins, Londons Mourning Garment sig. C2
    a1616
    All my pretty Chickens, and their Damme At one fell swoope?
    W. Shakespeare, Macbeth (1623) iv. iii. 219.
    1642
    A chicken of the same broode was Messalina.
    T. Taylor, God's Judgements ii. vi. 82
    1895
    Dear me, child! I am not used to having my youngest chicken go out from the nest.
    ‘Pansy’, Making Fate iii. 34
    2012
    I just told the Chickens they could not have lunch until they cleaned up the playroom. Genius or blackmail?
    @Leprakans 10 January in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
    the world people person child [nouns]
    childOld English–
    
    A young person of either sex, usually one below the age of puberty; a boy or girl.
    littleOld English–
    
    In plural or with plural agreement. (Small) children; (also) baby animals (rare). Cf. littling, n.¹
    littlingOld English–
    
    A small child; (in later use) a small and young animal.
    wenchelOld English–1300
    
    A child (of either sex); also, a servant or slave; also, a common woman.
    hired-childc1275
    
    Child of the house.
    brolla1325–1876
    
    Offspring, child; contemptuously, a brat, an ‘imp’, a little wretch.
    innocentc1325–
    
    esp. A young child, as being free from actual sin, or unacquainted with evil (see A.1); spec. in plural (with capital), the young children slain by…
    chickc1330–
    
    A child. Cf. chicken, n. II.4a. Now rare.
    congeonc1330–1400
    
    A derisive or contemptuous term applied to a child.
    impc1380–
    
    = ‘child’, figurative and transferred. Obsolete or archaic.
    faunt1382–1400
    
    An infant, a child, a young person.
    young onec1384–
    
    A young person or animal, a youngster; (in plural) an animal's offspring (cf. young, adj. B.2).
    scionc1390–
    
    figurative and in figurative context. spec. A descendant, esp. one belonging to a wealthy or noble family; an heir.
    weea1400
    
    A little or young thing; a child. Obsolete.
    tykec1400–
    
    Chiefly Scottish and English regional (esp. northern). derogatory or depreciative. An unpleasant, ill-mannered, or detestable person, esp. man…
    birdc1405–1609
    
    A son or daughter; a child. Cf. branch I Obsolete except in whore's bird, n.
    chickenc1440–
    
    A child. Frequently in figurative contexts with reference to sense I.1a. Cf. chick, n.¹ A.I.1. Now rare.
    enfaunta1475
    
    A child, a young person.
    small boyc1475–
    
    A boy of relatively small size, esp. a male child below the age of puberty but typically above infancy. Cf. big boy, n. 1a.
    whelp1483–
    
    transferred. A young child; a boy or girl. Now only jocular.
    burden1490–1667
    
    That which is borne in the womb; a child.
    little one1509–
    
    A young child. Also: the young offspring of an animal. Frequently in plural.
    brat?a1513–
    
    ‘A child, so called in contempt’ (Johnson). In 16th and 17th centuries sometimes used without contempt, though nearly always implying…
    younkerkin1528
    
    (As a depreciative diminutive) a lively or boisterous young man (younker, n. 2a).
    kitling1541–1702
    
    Applied to a person; either = child, offspring (cf. cub, n.¹ 3, whelp, n.¹ 2b); or as resembling or acting like a kitten in some way. Obsolete.
    urchin1556–
    
    A little fellow; a boy or youngster; †a child or infant.
    loneling1579
    
    A single child (opposed to a twin).
    breed1586
    
    Applied to single progeny or offspring; young one, child, bairn. Obsolete.
    budling1587
    
    A little bud; figurative a young child.
    pledge?1587–
    
    A child, esp. one considered as a token or evidence of mutual love and duty between parents. Now archaic and rare.
    ragazzo1591–
    
    In Italy, or in representations of the speech of an Italian speaker: a young boy (originally a servant or pageboy), a youth; a young man. Cf. ragazza…
    simplicity1592–1886
    
    An innocent, open, or guileless person. Obsolete.
    bantling1593–
    
    A young or small child, a brat. (Often used depreciatively, and formerly as a synonym of bastard.)
    tadpole1594–
    
    transferred and figurative. (In quot. 1594, a black infant.)
    two-year-old1594–
    
    An animal (esp. a colt) or child of two years of age. Also attributive.
    eyas-musket1596–
    
    attributive, as eyas-falcon, eyas-hawk; in sense ‘unfledged, youthful’ as eyas-thoughts, eyas-wings. Also eyas-musket n. (See musket, n.¹), used…
    bratcheta1600–
    
    A little brat, a child. (contemptuous or playful.)
    lambkin1600–
    
    transferred. A young tender person; chiefly used as a term of endearment.
    younker1601–
    
    A child, esp. a boy. In later use chiefly Scottish, English regional, and North American. Cf. youngster, n. 3.
    dandling1611–95
    
    A dandled child; a fondling, a pet.
    buda1616–
    
    figurative. Said of children or young persons, or as a term of endearment.
    dovelinga1618–
    
    A young dove; also, a term of affection for a little child.
    whelplinga1618–
    
    A young whelp; also contemptuously of a person.
    puppet1623–
    
    = poppet, n. 1. Now rare.
    butter printa1625–1709
    
    slang. An offspring; a baby or child, spec. a weak or feeble one. Obsolete.
    chit1625–
    
    Applied, more or less contemptuously, to a child, esp. a very young child (cf. kid, n.¹ 5a); a brat.
    piggy1625–
    
    A little pig; a pet name for a pig or (occasionally) another animal referred to as a pig. Also (usually humorous): a fat or greedy person.
    ninnyc1626–87
    
    A child.
    youngster1633–
    
    A child, esp. a boy. Also figurative.
    fairya1635–
    
    In extended use. A person likened to a fairy in being small or delicate; a child.
    lap-child1655
    
    chitterling1675–
    
    A little chit.
    squeaker1676–
    
    slang. (See quot. 1676.)
    cherub1680–
    
    transferred. Applied to persons. (In form cherub, plural cherubs) to a beautiful and innocent child.
    kid1690–
    
    slang. A child, esp. a young child. (Originally low slang, but by the 19th cent. frequent in familiar speech.)
    wean1692–
    
    A young child.
    kinchin1699–
    
    absol. A child, a ‘kid’. (Now Prison slang.)
    getlingc1700–
    
    A child, a brat. Also (somewhat depreciative) a fellow.
    charity-child1723–
    
    small girl1734–
    
    A girl of relatively small size (in general sense now chiefly in contexts of comparison). Chiefly spec.: a female child below the age of puberty…
    poult1739–1897
    
    Chiefly Scottish or colloquial. A child; a youth. Obsolete.
    elfin1748–
    
    transferred. A child.
    piggy-wiggy1766–
    
    A pet name for a pig; = piggy, n.¹ 1. Also used as a term of endearment.
    piccaninny1774–
    
    colloquial. Now usually offensive. More generally: any small child. Cf. pinkaninny, n. Also figurative.
    totum?1795–
    
    A little child, a wee tot.
    teeny1802–
    
    Very tiny, very small. Also occasionally as n.: a small child, an infant (cf. teeny, n.²).
    olive1803–91
    
    A child. See olive branch, n. 2. Obsolete.
    sprout1813–
    
    colloquial (originally Scottish, now chiefly U.S.). A young person, a child.
    stumpie1820–
    
    A person with a stumpy figure. Also, a small child.
    sexennarian1821
    
    A six-year-old child.
    totty1822–
    
    As an affectionate diminutive: a very small child, a tiny tot (tot, n.⁴). Now chiefly Scottish.
    toddle1825–
    
    colloquial. A toddling child, a toddler. Cf. toddles, n. Now rare.
    toddles1828–
    
    (A nickname for) a toddling child or toddler.
    poppet1830–
    
    A small or dainty person. In later use frequently as a term of endearment, esp. for a child or young woman: darling, pet. In early use occasionally derogatory, with overtones of senses 2 and 3: cf. puppet, n.
    brancher1833–
    
    figurative. A young child.
    toad1836–
    
    Applied to children. Cf. tad, n. 2.
    toddler1837–
    
    A young child; (now) spec. a child who is learning to walk.
    ankle-biter1840–
    
    A small child.
    yarkera1842–
    
    Chiefly Scottish, English regional (northern), and U.S. regional. Something which is a small example of its kind; esp. a child.
    twopenny1844–
    
    A jocular name for a child.
    weeny1844–
    
    colloquial. A very young child.
    toddlekins1852–
    
    (A name for) a toddling child or toddler; cf. toddleskin, n.
    midget1854–
    
    Chiefly U.S. A (young) child. Now somewhat rare.
    tamaiti1857–
    
    In Māori contexts: a child.
    brattock1858–
    
    A tiny brat, a young one.
    nipper1859–
    
    colloquial (originally British). A small or young boy or (less frequently) girl; the smallest or youngest child in a family.
    sprat1860–
    
    Applied to a person. A child, esp. a lively young boy; a young person.
    ninepins1862
    
    Applied to children. Obsolete.
    angelet1868–
    
    A person likened to a little angel; a beautiful, sweetly innocent, or very well-behaved child. Cf. angel, n. II.6, cherub, n. 3c. Now rare.
    tenas man1870–
    
    In north-western North America: small. Also as n., and in tenas man n. A child.
    tad1877–
    
    A young or small child, esp. a boy. Occasionally used jocularly of old men.
    tacker1885–
    
    dialect. A small child.
    chavvy1886–
    
    A baby, a child.
    joey1887–
    
    A young kangaroo; also gen. a young animal or child. See also quot. 1887.
    tottykins?1887–
    
    (A name for) a toddler; = toddlekins, n.
    suck-thumb1890–
    
    A child that sucks its thumb; also attributive.
    toddleskin1890–
    
    A toddling child, a toddler; cf. toddlekins, n.
    thumb-sucker1891–
    
    (a) A child who habitually sucks his thumb; (b) Journalists' slang (see quots. 1974 at thumb piano, n. 1980).
    littlie1893–
    
    A small child or person; a little one. Frequently in plural.
    peewee1894–
    
    Chiefly North American colloquial. A small child; (now frequently) spec. a child involved in amateur sport at the peewee level (see sense B.2).
    che-ild1896–
    
    = child, n.
    kiddo1896–
    
    = kid, n.¹ 5a; frequently as a familiar form of address.
    mother's bairn1896–
    
    A spoilt child.
    childling1903–
    
    A little child.
    kipper1905–
    
    A person, esp. a young or small person, a child. slang.
    pick1905–
    
    U.S. Now rare (regarded as offensive). = piccaninny, n.
    small1907–
    
    A small child; (also) a junior.
    God forbid1909–
    
    slang a kid, a child; see also quot. 1960; cf. Gawd-forbid, n.
    preadolescent1909–
    
    A preadolescent child.
    subadolescent1914–
    
    A subadolescent child.
    toto1914–
    
    A child. Also: a young animal.
    snookums1919–
    
    A trivial term of endearment, usually applied to children or lapdogs.
    tweenie1919–
    
    = teeny, n.²
    problem child1920–
    
    A child with behavioural or other difficulties.
    squirt1924–
    
    colloquial. A paltry or contemptible person; a whippersnapper; a fop. Also spec. a child or young person. Originally U.S.
    trottie1924–
    
    A little toddling child.
    tiddler1927–
    
    Nursery name for a stickleback. Also applied to other small fish, as a minnow. Hence, a child; any small person or thing.
    subteen1929–
    
    A child under (esp. just under) the age of thirteen; a pre-teen. Frequently in plural.
    perisher1935–
    
    colloquial (chiefly British). An annoying or awkward person; (frequently in little perisher) an irritating or mischievous child. Hence: any annoying…
    Gawd-forbid1936–
    
    = God forbid, n.
    poopsie1937–
    
    A small child (esp. a child of the speaker); a sweetheart. Chiefly as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address.
    pre-schooler1937–
    
    A child who is too young to attend school; a child who attends preschool.
    pre-teen1938–
    
    A pre-teenager.
    pre-teener1940–
    
    = pre-teenager, n.
    juvie1941–
    
    A juvenile or juvenile delinquent; also, a detention centre or a court for juvenile delinquents.
    sprog1944–
    
    Originally Nautical. A baby or young child.
    pikkie1945–
    
    A child; a small person. In extended use: any small object.
    subteenager1947–
    
    A child under (esp. just under) the age of thirteen; a pre-teenager.
    pre-teenager1948–
    
    A child under (esp. just under) the age of thirteen.
    pint-size1954–
    
    colloquial. A nickname or familiar name for: a child or small person. Cf. half pint, n. A.2.
    saucepan lid1960–
    
    slang. British. A child.
    rug rat1964–
    
    A small child, esp. one who still crawls rather than walks.
    smallie1984–
    
    colloquial. A person or animal of small size or stature; (also) a child.
    bosom-child
    
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. II.4.b.
    1563–
    
    As a term of endearment or affectionate form of address, esp. for a woman or child. Also formerly: †a loved one, esp. a spouse (obsolete). Cf. chick n.1 A.I.2.
    1563
    Who then tendering the teares of his deare chyckin, directed to him letters again by the same messenger.
    J. Foxe, Actes & Monuments sig. g.i^v/1
    1619
    Heere is a token for thee my chicken.
    Two Wise Men & All Rest Fooles vii. ii. 99
    1677
    I'll be very sharp upon her; I'll pinch her severely faith, for all she's my Chicken.
    T. D'Urfey, Fond Husband ii. ii. 15
    1682
    Pray mind my Chicken, she's the best bred Woman in the Country!
    T. Shadwell, Lancashire-witches ii. 21
    1809
    Well! my chicken, said he..are you satisfied?
    B. H. Malkin, translation of A. R. Le Sage, Adventures of Gil Blas vol. IV. x. x. 136
    1956
    Pop hadn't seemed to be listening to the women's chatter, but now he said, ‘Don't worry, chicken; you're all right.’
    E. Hahn, Francie comes Home iii. 26
    2016
    This pretty little lady..is on her way to visit me! Can't wait to see you chicken.
    @alicegracejazz 23 February in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
    the mind emotion love terms of endearment [nouns] of or to a child
    chickc1330–
    
    A child. Cf. chicken, n. II.4a. Now rare.
    dillydowna1500
    
    Cf. dilli-darling, n., dilling, n.
    marmoseta1529–1754
    
    Extended uses. Applied to a woman or child (as a term of endearment or playful reproach). Obsolete.
    dilling1584–
    
    A term of endearment, sometimes equivalent to darling, sometimes, the youngest of a family, the last born. In modern dialects applied to the…
    moppet1601–
    
    A baby; a young child, esp. a girl; a darling, a favourite (frequently as a term of endearment). Also (depreciative): a frivolous or gaudily dressed…
    bunny1606–91
    
    A term of endearment applied to women and children (obsolete).
    puggy1608–1794
    
    A term of endearment or pet name, esp. for a woman or child. Cf. pug, n.² I.1. Obsolete.
    poppet1612
    
    A small or dainty person. In later use frequently as a term of endearment, esp. for a child or young woman: darling, pet. In early use occasionally derogatory, with overtones of senses 2 and 3: cf. puppet, n.
    dotey1663–
    
    A dear or loved one; a darling, a pet, a favourite. Often as a term of endearment or form of address, esp. for a child.
    cherub1680–
    
    transferred. Applied to persons. (In form cherub, plural cherubs) to a beautiful and innocent child.
    dilli-darling1693
    
    A term of endearment: a darling.
    dilli-minion1693
    
    chickie1749–
    
    Used as a term of endearment, esp. for a child or woman. Cf. chick, n.¹ A.I.1.
    chickabiddy?1775–
    
    colloquial. A young child; also as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address for a child or a woman (esp. a spouse). Now rare.
    chicken1809–
    
    As a term of endearment or affectionate form of address, esp. for a woman or child. Also formerly: †a loved one, esp. a spouse (obsolete). Cf. chick…
    dote1809–
    
    Irish English. A dear or loved one; a darling, a pet, a favourite. Often as a term of endearment or form of address, esp. for a child. Cf. dotey, n.
    chick-a-diddle1826–
    
    In speech by or to young children: a young chicken or chick. Also as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address for a child or a woman. Cf…
    sock-lamb1838–
    
    A lamb brought up by hand; a pet-lamb. Also transferred.
    sock1840–
    
    A pet child or young animal.
    childie1848–
    
    As a form of address: little child; dear child.
    chickadee1860–
    
    A child; also as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address for a child or a woman.
    doy1862–
    
    As a term of endearment or affectionate form of address to a young child: darling, pet.
    dou-dou1890–
    
    Used as a term of endearment, esp. to a woman or a child; sweetie, darling. Also with possessive adjective: one's sweetheart.
    diddums1893–
    
    An expression of commiseration addressed to a child and jocularly to an adult; hence used as a meaningless term of address to children, etc.
    pumpkin1900–
    
    figurative. In colloquial use (chiefly North American). (Originally U.S.). As a term of endearment: sweetheart, darling. Also occasionally in plural.
    poopsie1937–
    
    A small child (esp. a child of the speaker); a sweetheart. Chiefly as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address.
    bubele1959–
    
    In Jewish use: a term of endearment or form of address, esp. for a child or elderly relative; ‘sweetheart’, ‘darling’, ‘honey’.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
2. II.5.
  1600–
  
  A stupid or foolish person; a fool. Cf. goose n. 1f. Now rare.
  1600
  All his anger turned to laughter: swearing it did him good to haue ill words of a hoddy doddy, a habber de hoy, a chicken, a squib, a squall.
  W. Kemp, Nine Daies Wonder sig. D4
  1794
  You are not such a chicken as to suppose, if so be as you are innocent, that that will make your game altogether sure.
  W. Godwin, Caleb Williams vol. III. vi. 112
  1859
  He is not such a chicken as to have ever given a copy of that letter without the certain knowledge and deliberate intention that it should appear in the New York papers.
  New York Herald 30 August (Morning edition) 4/4
  1921
  Why you silly chicken—you ought to be simply wild with delight!
  R. M. Ayres, Winds of World i. v. 54
  2016
  ‘When you go out next week don't get too drunk just bc you can’. Maria you silly chicken, it'll be a miracle if me and liver make it home.
  @josienotjodie 27 November in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
  the mind mental capacity lack of understanding stupid, foolish, or confused person foolish person, fool simpleton [nouns]
  dotea1275–
  
  A foolish, incompetent, or slow-witted person.
  boinarda1300–99
  
  A fool, simpleton; rogue, scoundrel.
  daffc1325–
  
  One deficient in sense or in proper spirit; a simpleton, a fool; a coward.
  goky1377
  
  A fool, simpleton.
  innocentc1386–
  
  (a) A guileless, simple, or unsuspecting person; one devoid of cunning or artifice. (b) One wanting in ordinary knowledge or intelligence; a…
  nicea1393–1450
  
  A foolish or simple person; a fool.
  cocard1393–1430
  
  An old fool, simpleton.
  unwiseman1400–1520
  
  A fool or simpleton.
  totc1425–1660
  
  A person of disordered brain, a simpleton, a fool.
  alphinc1440
  
  figurative. A foolish or contemptible person. Obsolete.
  dawc1500–1608
  
  figurative. Applied contemptuously to persons. A silly fellow, simpleton, noodle, fool. Obsolete.
  hoddypeak1500–89
  
  A fool, simpleton, noodle, blockhead.
  dawpatea1529–60
  
  = daw, n. 2a.
  hoddypolla1529–89
  
  A fool, simpleton; a cuckold.
  dotehead1530
  
  A foolish or crazy person.
  noddy1534–
  
  A fool, a simpleton. Cf. nod, n.² Now rare.
  kimec1535
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  coxcomb1542–1790
  
  A stupid person, a fool. Obsolete.
  sheep1542–
  
  A person who is as stupid, timid, or poor-spirited as a sheep.
  sheep's head1542–
  
  A fool, simpleton. †Also as adj., stupid.
  goose1547–
  
  Hence figurative. A foolish person, a simpleton.
  dawcock1556–1681
  
  literal a male jackdaw; in quots. figurative. Obsolete = daw, n. 2a.
  nodgecock1566
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  peak-goosea1568–1640
  
  = peagoose, n.
  doter1568–
  
  A foolish or crazy person, a dotard; (now usually) spec. a person whose intellect is impaired due to old age.
  hottie tottie?c1570
  
  Perhaps: = hoddy-doddy, n. A.3.
  greenhead1576–
  
  Frequently in form green head. A raw, inexperienced person; (also) a fool, a simpleton. See head, n.¹ I.ii.11. Now rare.
  gonyc1580–
  
  A booby, a simpleton.
  Tom Towly1582–1906
  
  In personal names used generically with the meaning ‘a stupid or foolish person, an oaf’, as Tom Cony, Tom Dingle, Tom Towly. Cf. Tom doodle, n. Obs…
  wittol1588–
  
  transferred (? with pun on wit-all.) One who has little sense; a half-witted person; a fool; occasionally a witling.
  goose-cap1589–
  
  A booby, noodle, numskull, simpleton, fool.
  ninnyhammer1592–
  
  A blockhead; a fool or braggart.
  nodgecomb1592–96
  
  A fool, a simpleton; = nodgecock, n.
  ninny1593–
  
  A simpleton; a fool.
  chicken1600–
  
  A stupid or foolish person; a fool. Cf. goose, n. 1f. Now rare.
  hoddy-noddy1600–
  
  A fool, simpleton, noodle.
  shallow-pate1600–
  
  A person of shallow intellect.
  hoddy-doddy1601–56
  
  A cuckold; a hen-pecked man; a noodle; a simpleton. Obsolete.
  loach1605–07
  
  figurative. A simpleton. Obsolete.
  simplician1605–73
  
  A simple or ignorant person; a simpleton.
  peagoose1606–1825
  
  A dolt, a fool; a simpleton.
  fopster1607
  
  Apparently a fool, simpleton.
  hichcock1607
  
  ‘A simpleton’ (Nares).
  nazold1607–
  
  A silly or weak-minded person. Also: a bad-tempered person; a fretful or mischievous child. Cf. nazzard, n.
  nupson1607–31
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  smelt1607–40
  
  transferred. A simpleton. Obsolete.
  wigeon1607–
  
  A foolish or stupid person; a simpleton. archaic and rare in later use.
  foppasty1611
  
  ? = foppotee, n.
  fondrel1613
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  wattle-head1613
  
  A weak-headed person.
  dovea1616–
  
  figurative and transferred. A gentle, innocent, or loving woman or child; also †an innocent or simpleton.
  goslinga1616–
  
  figurative. A foolish, inexperienced person; one who is young and ‘green’.
  insensiblea1618–1802
  
  (From A. II.)(a) A thing or person incapable of feeling; an inanimate thing; an apathetic person; (b) a person destitute of sense, a fool.
  funge1621–28
  
  A person lacking intelligence or common sense; a fool.
  moonling1631–
  
  A simpleton; an idiot.
  simplicity1633–1860
  
  An ignorant or foolish person; a simpleton. Obsolete.
  gewgaw1634–
  
  Used depreciatingly of a person.
  simpleton1639–
  
  An unintelligent, ignorant, or gullible person; a fool.
  pigwidgeon1640–
  
  derogatory. A small or insignificant person or thing; a stupid or contemptible person. Now rare.
  squab1640
  
  A raw, inexperienced person. Obsolete. rare.
  simpletonian1652–
  
  An unintelligent, foolish, or gullible person; a simpleton.
  ninny-whoop1653
  
  = ninnyhammer, n.
  softhead1654–
  
  colloquial. A person lacking intelligence or common sense; a foolish, silly, or stupid person. Cf. slightly earlier soft-headed, adj.
  Tony1654–1784
  
  A foolish person; a simpleton. Obsolete slang.
  foppotee1663
  
  A simpleton.
  fopdoodle1664–1700
  
  A fop, fool, or simpleton.
  nizy1673–
  
  A fool or simpleton.
  Simple Simon?1673–
  
  A stupid or intellectually unsophisticated person; a fool.
  Tom Farthing1674–1707
  
  An impotent man; an inept or unsatisfactory lover.
  totty-head1680–
  
  An imbecile.
  sumph1682–
  
  A slow-witted or stupid person; a fool, simpleton. Also: a surly or sullen person.
  cockcomb1684–1730
  
  A vain or foolish man; = coxcomb, n. 4a 4b. Obsolete. rare.
  cod1699–
  
  A fool. Formerly also occasionally as a more general term of abuse.
  nikin1699–1743
  
  Obsolete. Frequently derogatory. A simpleton, a foolish person.
  sap-pate1699
  
  = sap-head, n., sapskull, n.
  sawney1699–
  
  colloquial. A simpleton, fool.
  simpkin1699–
  
  A fool; a simpleton.
  mackninnya1706–34
  
  A disparaging name for: King James II (reigned 1685–8). Also in extended use.
  sillyton1708–1854
  
  A simpleton.
  gilly-gaupus?1719–
  
  A foolish or silly person, a simpleton; a person who is lanky, awkward, or stares stupidly.
  noodle1720–
  
  colloquial. A stupid or silly person; a fool, an idiot.
  sapskull1735–
  
  = sap-head, n.
  gaby?1746–
  
  A stupid or foolish person; an idiot; a fool.
  gobbin?1746–
  
  An unintelligent or uneducated person; a fool, an idiot.
  green goose1768–
  
  A simpleton; = goose, n. 1f. Now rare.
  Judy1781–
  
  colloquial (originally Irish English). A fool, a simpleton. Also Judy Fitzsimmons. Frequently in to make a Judy (Fitzsimmons) of oneself and…
  zanya1784–
  
  Hence in transferred and allusive uses, with various shades of meaning. A fool, simpleton, ‘idiot’.
  nin-a-kin1787
  
  Perhaps: a simpleton.
  spoony1795–
  
  A simple, silly, or foolish person; a noodle.
  sap-head1798–
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  spoon1799–
  
  slang or colloquial. A shallow, simple, or foolish person; a simpleton, ninny, goose.
  Jacob1811–19
  
  slang. A simpleton.
  gomerel1814–
  
  A fool, simpleton, silly fellow.
  sap1815–
  
  A simpleton, a fool.
  neddy1818–
  
  A stupid or silly person; a fool; an idiot.
  milestone1819
  
  Extended uses. slang (derogatory). A rural simpleton; a country bumpkin. Obsolete. rare.
  green1824–1924
  
  A greenhorn; a simpleton. Cf. sense A.II.8d. Obsolete.
  sunketa1825–
  
  English regional (East Anglian). In extended use, denoting a person. A stupid or foolish person.
  gawp1825–
  
  A fool or simpleton. (See also gawpus, n.)
  gawpy1825–
  
  Of the same meaning.
  gawpus1826–
  
  A silly person, simpleton.
  Tomnoddy1826–
  
  A foolish or stupid person; (also) a mildly depreciative term for any person. Cf. noddy, n.¹ 1.
  Sammy1828–
  
  English regional. Also with lower-case initial. A simpleton, a fool.
  tammie norie1828–1903
  
  Scottish. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. Tomnoddy, n. 2. Obsolete.
  Tommy1828–99
  
  A fool, a simpleton. Cf. tomfool, n. A.1b. Obsolete (English regional (northern) in later use).
  sillikin1832–
  
  A fool, a simpleton. Also as a playful term of reproof.
  gom1834–
  
  A poor silly fellow.
  noodlehead1835–
  
  = noodle, n.¹ 1.
  softhorn1836–
  
  A foolish, naive, or inexperienced person.
  sucker1838–
  
  figurative. A greenhorn, simpleton. Originally North American.
  Sam1843–
  
  A ninny, simpleton. Cf. Sammy, n. 1. slang.
  softie1850–
  
  depreciative. A person considered to lack intelligence or common sense, or to be easily imposed on or deceived; a foolish, silly, or simple…
  dope1851–
  
  colloquial (originally dialect). A stupid person, a simpleton, a fool. Also (U.S. slang), a person under the influence of, or addicted to, some…
  nowmun1854–
  
  A fool, an idiot.
  soft1854–1901
  
  colloquial (chiefly English regional). A simple or foolish person. Obsolete.
  verigreen1854–
  
  A very simple or gullible person.
  gum-sucker1855–
  
  (a) A native-born, non-Aboriginal Australian (esp. a Victorian) or Tasmanian; (b) a fool or simpleton.
  flat-head1862–
  
  A fool, simpleton. dialect and slang.
  peanut1864–
  
  colloquial (originally U.S.). A small, unintelligent, or unimportant person (see also quots. 1945, 1968).
  peggy1869–
  
  English regional. A man with feminine habits or traits. Also: a simpleton. Cf. molly, n.¹ 2. Now rare.
  daftie1872–
  
  A daft person.
  noodledum1883
  
  Foolishness; a foolish person.
  jay1884–
  
  transferred. A stupid or silly person; a simpleton.
  josser1886–
  
  A simpleton; a soft or silly fellow. So, in flippant or contemptuous use, a fellow, an (old) chap (see also quots. 1933 1946).
  toot1888–
  
  An idle or worthless person; a simpleton, fool.
  naïf1891–
  
  A naive person.
  peanut head1891–
  
  A stupid or foolish person; also as a term of abuse. Cf. pinhead, n. A.4a, pea-brain, n., etc.
  yapc1894–
  
  A fool, someone easily taken in; also, an uncultured or unsophisticated person. dialect and U.S. slang.
  simp1903–
  
  A fool, a simpleton.
  sappyhead1922–
  
  A foolish person. Cf. sap-head, n.
  barm-stick1924–
  
  A feeble-minded person (Eng. Dial. Dict.); also attributive.
  Arkie1927–
  
  U.S. colloquial (frequently derogatory). A native or inhabitant of Arkansas, an Arkansan; spec. one made homeless during the Great Depression and forced to seek employment elsewhere…
  putz1928–
  
  Originally in Jewish usage, now more generally: a stupid or worthless person; a fool.
  knobhead1931–
  
  Used as a disparaging term for a person. North American slang. A stupid or slow-witted person; a dolt, an idiot, a numbskull.
  steamer1932–
  
  Rhyming slang. = mug, n.⁵ 1; also spec. a homosexual man, esp. one who seeks passive partners.
  jerk-off1939–
  
  A foolish, objectionable, or obnoxious person (esp. a male); a jerk.
  drongo1942–
  
  A simpleton, a stupid person; see also quot. 1942. Hence as adj., silly, foolish. Australian slang.
  galah1945–
  
  Australian slang. A fool, a simpleton.
  Charley1946–
  
  A fool, simpleton, esp. a proper, right Charley. slang.
  nig-nog1953–
  
  slang (usually mildly derogatory). A new or unskilled recruit; a novice; a foolish or naive person. Cf. ning-nong, n.
  sawn1953–
  
  = sawney, n. 2.
  nong-nong1959–
  
  = nong, n. 2.
  pronk1959–
  
  British slang (derogatory). Now rare. A fool, an idiot; (also) an ineffectual or effeminate person.
  stiffy1965–
  
  A naïve or stupid person.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. II.6.
  a1616–
  
  A faint-hearted person; a coward.
  In later use frequently with reference or allusion to the game of ‘chicken’; cf. sense III.13 and chicken adj.
  a1616
  Forthwith they flye Chickens, the way which they stopt Eagles.
  W. Shakespeare, Cymbeline (1623) v. v. 42
  1633
  Not finding the Defendants to be Chikins, to be afraid..of every cloud or kite.
  T. Stafford, Pacata Hibernia i. xix. 111
  1742
  I am not afraid of dying with a Blow or two neither; I am not such a Chicken as that.
  H. Fielding, Joseph Andrews vol. I. ii. v. 192
  1835
  Hold up your head, you chicken.
  C. Dickens in Bell's Life in London 29 November
  1885
  ‘I shan't do the job!’ said Charlie. ‘No, I didn't think you would; you're too much of a chicken.’
  Leicester Chron. & Leicestershire Mercury 29 August (Supplement) 4/2
  1990
  I want to go to that new horror movie, but I'm such a chicken. I don't know if I could really go through with it.
  K. William, Enid's Story v. 58
  2011
  Wisdom teeth coming out tomorrow. I'm a massive chicken when it comes to anything medical..can't sleep!
  @MattyA_Taylor 15 June in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
  2015
  Vin Diesel's Dom and Jason Statham's scowling villain, Deckard Shaw, have a habit of racing into each other head-on, both too macho (or more likely stupid) to be the ‘chicken’ who veers away.
  Scottish Express (Nexis) 5 April 58
  the mind emotion fear cowardice or pusillanimity [nouns] coward(s)
  coward?a1289–
  
  A reproachful designation for one who displays ignoble fear or want of courage in the face of danger, pain, or difficulty; an ignobly…
  hen-hearta1450–1860
  
  A cowardly person. Cf. chicken heart, n. 1, hen-hearted, adj.
  staniel?a1500
  
  The kestrel, Tinnunculus alaudarius. Also applied contemptuously to a person, in allusion to the uselessness of the kestrel for the purposes of…
  pigeon?1571–1727
  
  A coward. Obsolete.
  cow1584–1616
  
  transferred. A timid, faint-hearted person, a coward. Obsolete. Cf. cow-baby, n., cow-hearted, adj., cowish, adj. 2.
  quake-breech1584–1705
  
  A coward; a person lacking in courage.
  cow-baby1594–
  
  A reproachful designation for a timorous person, a coward.
  custard1598–
  
  figurative. A fearful or cowardly person. After the 17th cent. only in cowardly custard, n. and cowardy, cowardy, custard at cowardy, adj.
  chicken heart1602–
  
  A person lacking in courage or spirit; a coward.
  nidget1605
  
  A coward. Obsolete.
  hen?1613–
  
  A cowardly, timid, or spineless person; (also) anyone who adopts a subservient role, often explicitly contrasted with cock (cf. cock, n.¹…
  faintling1614
  
  One who is faint or faint-hearted.
  white-liver1614–
  
  A white-livered person; a coward; a flatterer.
  chickena1616–
  
  A faint-hearted person; a coward.
  quake-buttocka1627
  
  = quake-breech, n.
  skitterbrooka1652
  
  One who befouls his breeches; a coward.
  dunghill1761–
  
  A cowardly person; a person lacking in courage, spirit, or fight. Now Irish English (northern).
  cow-heart1768–
  
  A coward.
  shy-cock1768–1804
  
  (? A cock that refuses to fight; also, a cock that is ‘shy’ or not easily caught. ? Hence:) A wary or cowardly person; also, ‘One who keeps…
  fugie1777–
  
  A cock that will not fight; a runaway. Hence as a term of abuse, a coward.
  slag1788–
  
  British colloquial. A worthless, insignificant, or contemptible person. In early use: a coward.
  man of chaff1799
  
  fainter1826–
  
  One who faints or gives way.
  possum1833
  
  slang (usually derogatory). U.S. A worthless person, a coward. Obsolete. rare.
  cowardy, cowardy, custard1836–
  
  Cowardly. Used tauntingly by children, esp. in the phrase cowardy, cowardy, custard (formerly costard).
  sheep1840–
  
  A person who is as stupid, timid, or poor-spirited as a sheep.
  white feather1857
  
  A coward. Obsolete. rare.
  funk1859–
  
  A cowardly, nervous, or timorous person.
  funkstick1860–
  
  A nervous, timid, or cowardly person; Horse Riding a rider who tends to shy at or avoid a jump, fence, etc. (cf. funker, n.³).
  lily-liver1860–
  
  Pale, pallid, colourless, bloodless; lily-livered adj. White-livered, cowardly. lily-liver n. A ‘lily-livered’ person. lily-liveredly adv.
  faint-heart1870–
  
  One who has a faint heart; a coward.
  willy boy1895–
  
  A weak, cowardly or frightened man.
  sooky1902–
  
  A timid, weak, or cowardly person; a wimp; a softie. Cf. sook, n.²
  blert1905–
  
  Irish English (northern) and English regional (Liverpool) slang (derogatory). A useless, weak, or cowardly person. Also as a general term of abuse.
  squib1908–
  
  Applied to persons. A horse lacking courage or endurance; hence, a coward. Australian slang.
  fraid cat (also fraidy cat)c1910–
  
  (I'm) afraid. So (chiefly Children's) phr. fraid cat (also fraidy cat), a coward. Cf. frayed, adj.¹
  sook1910–
  
  A timid, weak, or cowardly person; a wimp; a softie. Cf. sooky, n.
  manso1912–
  
  A meek, tame, or cowardly person or animal, esp. a tame or timid bull.
  feartie1923–
  
  A cowardly or timorous person; a coward. Cf. fraidy cat at 'fraid, adj.²
  yellowbelly1927–
  
  colloquial (originally U.S.). A coward. Cf. yellow, adj. A.3b.
  chicken liver1930–
  
  colloquial. A coward. Cf. chicken-livered, adj.
  boneless wonder1931–
  
  A marvellous specimen or example (of something); in Scottish used contemptuously. boneless wonder, a gymnast; figurative, someone or something…
  scaredy-cat1933–
  
  A timorous person, a coward; = fraidy cat at 'fraid, adj.² Also as adj., scared, and elliptical, as scaredy.
  pantywaist1935–
  
  derogatory. A weak or cowardly person, esp. a young boy; a weakling, a sissy.
  punk1939–
  
  U.S. slang. A coward; a weakling. Cf. punk, v.¹ 2.
  ringtail1941–
  
  Australian slang. A coward. Now rare.
  chickenshit1945–
  
  coarse slang (originally U.S. Military). (A name for) a person who adheres very closely to rules, or who is afraid to break them; a cowardly or despicable person.
  candy-ass1953–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). depreciative. A person (esp. a man or boy) characterized as cowardly, timid, excessively sentimental, or ineffectual.; a wimp, a sissy.
  pansy-ass1963–
  
  North American colloquial (derogatory). An effeminate man; a weakling; a coward.
  unbrave1981–
  
  (un-, prefix¹ affix 1.)
  bottler1994–
  
  slang (British and Irish English). A person who loses his or her nerve; a person lacking courage or spirit. Cf. bottle, v.¹ 7. Usually depreciative.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
4. II.7.
  1691–
  
  A young or inexperienced person. Now chiefly in to be no chicken and variants: to be no longer young. Cf. to be no spring chicken at spring chicken n. 2.
  1691
  Thou'rt a meer Chicken, Girl.
  J. Wilson, Belphegor ii. iii. 20
  1711
  You ought to consider you are now past a Chicken; this Humour, which was well enough in a Girl, is insufferable in one of your Motherly Character.
  R. Steele, Spectator No. 216. ⁋2
  1727
  Pursue your Trade of Scandal-picking, Your Hints, that Stella is no Chicken.
  J. Swift, Stella's Birth-day: 1720 in J. Swift et al., Miscellanies: Last Volume iii. 152
  1809
  An infant at law? A mere chicken?
  Cobbett's Weekly Political Register 25 March 421
  1954
  He is 66 years old, no chicken, and not particularly robust.
  Daily Mail 28 April 4/4
  2019
  Shouldn't she consider her age and present state of health? She's no chicken!
  @VPerratore 20 March in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
  the world people person young person [nouns] young and inexperienced person
  colta1225–
  
  figurative (mostly humorous or slang). Applied to persons having the characteristics of a colt. A young or inexperienced person, a ‘green hand’…
  chicken1691–
  
  A young or inexperienced person. Now chiefly in to be no chicken and variants: to be no longer young. Cf. to be no spring chicken at spring chicken…
  hopeful1720–
  
  As n. (colloquial). A ‘hopeful’ boy or girl: often ironical. (Sometimes as a quasi-proper name.)
  pup1887–
  
  colloquial. A youthful or inexperienced person, a beginner.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world people person adult [intransitive verbs] be adult
  to be no chicken1727
  
  A young or inexperienced person. Now chiefly in to be no chicken and variants: to be no longer young. Cf. to be no spring chicken at spring chicken…
  to be no spring chicken1857–
  
  colloquial (originally U.S.). A young person. Frequently in to be no spring chicken and variants: to be no longer young. Cf. chicken, n. II.7.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
5. II.8.
  1782–
  
  slang (chiefly U.S.). A prostitute (now rare); a promiscuous woman. In later use also: a woman regarded as a sexual object (cf. chick n.1 A.I.3).
  1782
  A little excuse may be made for them that shew their insolence to the keeper of a brothel and his crew, for procuring sometimes a rot—— or stale fowl, instead of a tender young chicken.
  J. Caske, Tricipitina 13
  1788
  Visiting Bagnio's, those seats of despair, Where chickens will call you ‘my duck and my dear’, In hopes that your purse may fall to their share.
  New Hampshire Spy 10 June 54
  1860
  Call a lady ‘a chicken’, and ten to one she is angry. Tell her she is ‘no chicken’, and twenty to one she is still angrier.
  G. D. Prentice, Prenticeana 97
  1913
  I know where there are a lot of chickens.
  G. J. Kneeland, Commercialized Prostitution i. 13
  1972
  Another teacher, a curvy little chicken in a hot pink mini.
  J. Wambaugh, Blue Knight 149
  2006
  Too many chickens gettin laid and watch they reputations fade.
  ‘LL Cool J’ et al., Preserve the Sexy (transcribed from song, feat. ‘Teairra Marí’) in Todd Smith
  U.S. English colloquial and slang
  the world physical sensation sexual relations sexual partner [nouns] woman considered in sexual terms or as a sexual partner
  cunnya1593–
  
  The female genitals; the vulva or vagina; = cunt, n. 1. Hence (offensive and often depreciative): a woman, or women collectively, considered as a…
  watermilla1626–1811
  
  slang. The female genitals; the vulva or vagina. Also: a woman as a source of sexual gratification. Obsolete.
  buttered bun1638–
  
  slang (chiefly depreciative). A woman who has just had penetrative sex with one or more men, regarded as a prospective sexual partner for another man; (more generally) a sexually…
  cunt1663–
  
  offensive and chiefly derogatory. A woman as a source of sexual gratification; a promiscuous woman. Also as a general term of abuse for a woman.
  chicken1782–
  
  slang (chiefly U.S.). A prostitute (now rare); a promiscuous woman. In later use also: a woman regarded as a sexual object (cf. chick, n.¹ A.I.3).
  piece of ass1816–
  
  A woman, esp. one regarded as an object of sexual gratification; (hence in extended use) sexual relations, esp. of a casual nature.
  fuck1870–
  
  coarse slang (see note at fuck, v.). concrete. A person considered in sexual terms or as a sexual partner. Chiefly with modifying word.
  frail1908–
  
  Chiefly U.S. Usually depreciative. A sexually promiscuous woman; (also) a prostitute; a mistress. Later also: a girl or woman, esp. considered…
  gash1914–
  
  coarse slang. The vulva or vagina. Hence (derogatory and offensive): a woman considered as a source of sexual satisfaction; (as a mass noun)…
  assa1916–
  
  Sexual intercourse or satisfaction. Also (offensive): a woman or women considered as a source of this.
  mama1916–
  
  In more general senses (originally in African-American usage). slang (chiefly U.S.). A wife, a girlfriend; a sexually attractive woman; a promiscuous…
  pushover1916–
  
  colloquial (originally U.S.). A person, esp. a woman, who gives in easily to demands for sexual intercourse.
  bim1922–
  
  North American slang (usually derogatory). Now somewhat rare. A young woman, esp. one regarded as a sexual object. Cf. earlier bimbo, n.² 2a.
  pigmeat1926–
  
  Chiefly U.S. coarse slang. Sexual intercourse or gratification; a woman or girl regarded as a sexual object.
  nookie1928–
  
  A woman considered as a sexual object. Usually considered offensive.
  lay1932–
  
  A woman who is readily available for sexual intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse. slang (originally U.S.). Cf. lay, v.¹ I.2b.
  make1933–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). A (sexual) conquest; spec. a sexually available woman. Cf. make, v.¹ IV.52g.
  ginch1934–
  
  An attractive woman, esp. (frequently depreciative) one regarded as an object of sexual gratification. Also as a mass noun: such women collectively.
  screw1937–
  
  coarse slang. A woman with whom a person has sexual intercourse; a sexual partner; esp. (in earlier use) a prostitute.
  cupcake1939–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A (typically young) woman regarded as an object of sexual desire or attraction.
  poontang1945–
  
  A woman or women generally, regarded as a means of sexual gratification; (also) the female genitals.
  poon1947–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). offensive. = poontang, n.
  trim1955–
  
  U.S. slang. A woman; sexual intercourse with a woman.
  a bit (or piece) of crumpet1959–
  
  slang. Women regarded collectively as a means of sexual gratification; occasionally a woman; sexual intercourse. So a bit (or piece) of crumpet: a…
  leg1968–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.) Women considered as a source of sexual intercourse or satisfaction. Now usually in a bit of leg, a piece of leg.
  hump1969–
  
  Sexual intercourse; (hence) a woman who makes herself available for sexual intercourse. coarse slang.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world physical sensation sexual relations prostitution [nouns] prostitute
  meretrixOld English–
  
  A prostitute. Also figurative.
  queanOld English–
  
  Originally: a woman, a female. Later: a bold, impudent, or disreputable woman; spec. a prostitute. Also in extended use.
  whoreOld English–
  
  A woman who engages in sexual activity in return for payment, esp. as a means of livelihood; a female prostitute. Now chiefly derogatory.
  soiled dovea1250–
  
  Defiled; stained, dirtied. Also figurative. soiled dove n. Australian and North American slang. A prostitute.
  common womanc1330–
  
  depreciative. Of a woman: sexually available or promiscuous. Esp. in †common woman (obsolete). In later use passing into sense A.I.5 or A.II.11…
  strumpeta1350–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A female prostitute; (also) a mistress, a concubine. More generally: a sexually promiscuous or lascivious woman.
  putec1384–
  
  A prostitute.
  parnelc1390–
  
  A prostitute; a loose woman; (also) †a priest's mistress (obsolete). Also in extended use: a weak or effeminate man. In later use archaic or regional.
  bordel womanc1405–
  
  A woman who engages in sexual activity in return for payment; a female prostitute.
  callet1415–
  
  derogatory. A lascivious or sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Also as a general term of abuse for a woman. Now archaic and English regional (northern).
  putaina1425–
  
  derogatory and offensive. A female prostitute. Also: a woman who has (or is said to have) many sexual partners.
  slut?c1425–
  
  Chiefly derogatory and offensive. A sexually promiscuous or lascivious woman; (also) a female prostitute. In earlier use also: a vulgar…
  bordela1440–1500
  
  A person (esp. a woman) who engages in sexual activity in return for payment; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  brothelc1450–1606
  
  A female prostitute. Obsolete.
  harlot?a1475–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A female prostitute; (also) a mistress, a concubine. More generally: a wanton, lascivious, or sexually promiscuous woman. Also as…
  bawda1500–
  
  A prostitute.
  public womanc1510–
  
  A prostitute; = common woman at common, adj. A.I.3b.
  trulla1516–
  
  A female prostitute. Now somewhat rare.
  trully?1515–1710
  
  A female prostitute; = trull, n. 1.
  miswoman1528–97
  
  A disreputable woman; a prostitute.
  drab1529–
  
  depreciative. Now somewhat dated, or used self-consciously for stylistic effect. A (female) prostitute; (also) a sexually promiscuous woman.
  naughty pack?1529–1743
  
  derogatory. Obsolete (in later use only English regional). A promiscuous or sexually immoral woman; (also) a prostitute. Cf. noughty pack, n. and pack, n.¹ III.9.
  cat1535–1708
  
  figurative. slang. A prostitute. Obsolete.
  strange woman1535–
  
  A prostitute or concubine. (With the, as denoting the class.)
  stew1552–1650
  
  A brothel. (Developed from sense I.3, on account of the frequent use of the public hot-air bath-houses… (Singular and plural.) A bawd or prostitute…
  calsay-paikera1555
  
  A street-walker.
  causey-paikera1555–
  
  A person who walks; spec. a prostitute who solicits clients on the street (cf. streetwalker, n. 2). Chiefly as the second element in compounds…
  Jezebel1558–
  
  An immoral, impudent, or sexually promiscuous woman; (esp. in earlier use) a woman who leads other people into idolatry and sin (see Revelation…
  nymph1563–
  
  euphemistic and humorous. A prostitute; a woman regarded as a means of sexual gratification. Formerly frequently with of, as †nymph of the pavé, etc.
  putanie?1566
  
  = putain, n.
  mort1567–1708
  
  A promiscuous woman or girl; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  cockatrice1568–
  
  A prostitute; a sexually promiscuous woman. Frequently as a term of reproach or abuse for a woman. Now archaic and rare.
  drivelling1570
  
  Apparently: a woman who is sexually promiscuous or works as a prostitute (perhaps one given to drooling). Cf. quot. 1552 at drivelling, adj. 1a. Obs…
  twigger1573–1694
  
  A vigorous prolific breeder: originally said of a ewe; hence slang, an unchaste or lascivious person; esp. a sexually promiscuous woman.
  punka1575–
  
  A prostitute. Now rare (historical in recent use).
  rig1575–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, or one regarded as lacking in morals; (in early use esp.) a prostitute. Cf. tomrigg, n.
  light-skirts1578–
  
  (A name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Also occasionally in singular.
  hackney1579–1787
  
  derogatory. A prostitute. Cf. hack, n.² 5. Obsolete.
  customer1583–1616
  
  A promiscuous woman, a mistress; (perhaps) a courtesan, a prostitute. Obsolete.
  harlotry1584–1816
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Frequently (and in earliest use) as a general term of contempt or abuse for a woman…
  light o' lovea1586–
  
  A person who is fickle or inconstant in love; a flirt. Also: (a name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. In later use also more…
  commodity1591–1761
  
  A prostitute. Obsolete.
  streetwalker1591–
  
  A prostitute who seeks clients in the street.
  traffic1591–1608
  
  A prostitute. Cf. trader, n. 2, and also baggage, n. A.6. Obsolete. rare.
  trug1591–
  
  A female prostitute. Perhaps occasionally also: a male prostitute.
  hackster1592–1646
  
  A prostitute. Obsolete.
  wagtail1592–1710
  
  transferred. esp. A contemptuous term for a profligate or inconstant woman; hence, a prostitute, a courtesan.
  polecat1593–
  
  derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman or (occasionally) man, a prostitute. In later use also as a more general term of abuse.
  stale1593–1641
  
  More fully common stale: a prostitute of the lowest class, employed as a decoy by thieves. Often (? associated with stale, adj.¹) used gen. as a term…
  mermaid1595–
  
  A woman possessing the attributes of a mermaid; a woman who sings sweetly, or who charms, allures, or deceives; a siren. Also (in 16th and 17th…
  medlar1597–1665
  
  slang. The female genitals. Also: a prostitute; a disreputable woman. Cf. also quot. 1627 at medlar tree, n. Obsolete.
  minx1598–
  
  A lewd or wanton woman; (also) a prostitute; a mistress.
  occupant1598
  
  A prostitute. Cf. occupy, v. II.8. Obsolete.
  Paphian1598–
  
  Chiefly literary. A prostitute.
  Winchester goose1598–1751
  
  Winchester goose: a certain venereal disorder (sometimes simply a goose); also, a prostitute (see quot. 1751). Obsolete.
  pagan1600–40
  
  In extended use. euphemistic. A prostitute. Obsolete.
  hell-moth1602
  
  A prostitute.
  light-heels1602–80
  
  (A name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute.
  aunt1604–
  
  slang. A female procurer or pimp, esp. the madam of a brothel or bawdy house; (also) a female prostitute. Also as a title preceding a first name. Cf…
  cousin1604–99
  
  cant. An illicit female sexual partner; spec. a prostitute. Cf. aunt, n. 3. Obsolete.
  moll1604–
  
  A girl, a woman; esp. a prostitute. Now rare.
  prostitution1605–07
  
  In extended use: a prostitute. Obsolete. rare.
  community1606–42
  
  slang. A prostitute. Also: an act of prostitution. Obsolete.
  miss1606–1889
  
  A kept woman, a mistress; a concubine. Also (occasionally): a prostitute. Also in extended use. Cf. town miss, n. Obsolete (regional in later use).
  night-worm1606
  
  (a) A treacherous comrade; (b) a prostitute; (c) a glow-worm; (d) rare an earthworm that comes out at night.
  bat1607–
  
  colloquial and depreciative. A prostitute, esp. one who walks the streets at night. Also: a woman considered to be sexually promiscuous. Now U.S. reg…
  croshabell1607–
  
  (See quots.)
  prostitute1607–
  
  A woman who engages in sexual activity in return for payment, esp. as a means of livelihood; (formerly also) any woman regarded as sexually…
  pug1607–1708
  
  A (female) prostitute; a mistress; sometimes as a more general derogatory term for a woman. Obsolete.
  venturer1607
  
  A prostitute; (also) a sexually promiscuous woman. Cf. venture, n. II.8. Obsolete. rare.
  nag1608–30
  
  slang. A prostitute. Frequently in figurative context. Obsolete.
  curtal1611–1706
  
  Applied to persons. A drab.
  jumbler1611–
  
  One who jumbles (in quot. 1618 in sense 6 of the verb).
  land-frigate1611
  
  A woman regarded in terms of her availability as a sexual partner.
  walk-street1611
  
  A person who walks the streets.
  doll-common1612–84
  
  (The Cheater's punk in Ben Jonson's Alchemist) a common woman, a prostitute.
  turn-up1612
  
  See quot. 1612, and cf. to turn up at turn, v. phrasal verbs. Obsolete. rare.
  amorosa1615–65
  
  A lascivious woman; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  barber's chair1615–1866
  
  colloquial (derogatory). A female prostitute or promiscuous woman. Frequently (and earliest) in similative and allusive use referring to the…
  commonera1616–95
  
  A female prostitute. Obsolete. rare.
  laced muttona1616
  
  Prostitutes or promiscuous women collectively; (also as a count noun) a prostitute or promiscuous woman; cf. mutton, n. 4.
  public commonera1616
  
  = public woman, n.
  trader1615–1850
  
  slang. A prostitute; (later also in somewhat weakened use) a woman who is regarded as immoral or promiscuous. Cf. night trader, n. Obsolete.
  trollop1615–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A sexually promiscuous or wanton woman; (sometimes) spec. a prostitute (now rare and somewhat dated). In early use also as a…
  venturea1616
  
  A prostitute; = venturer, n. 3. Obsolete. rare.
  stewpot1616
  
  allusively. (See stew, n.²) A prostitute.
  tweak1617–1719
  
  A harlot; ‘also, a whoremonger’ (Halliwell).
  carry-knave1623
  
  derogatory. Obsolete. A coach.
  prostibule1623
  
  A prostitute. Also: a brothel.
  fling-dusta1625–
  
  derogatory. A prostitute.
  mar-taila1625
  
  derogatory Obsolete rare. A prostitute.
  night-shadea1625
  
  slang. A prostitute. Obsolete. rare.
  waistcoateera1625–1922
  
  A low-class prostitute. Obsolete exc. Historical.
  woman errant1628–
  
  †(a) A female prostitute (obsolete); (b) (chiefly humorous) a woman who is like a knight errant in being on a quest for something (now rare).
  night trader1630–
  
  A person who trades by night; spec. †a prostitute (obsolete).
  coolera1632–1887
  
  slang. A woman, esp. one regarded as sexually available; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  meretrician1631–
  
  A prostitute. Now archaic.
  painted ladya1637–
  
  A woman wearing cosmetics; a prostitute; = painted woman, n.
  treadle1638
  
  See quots. (Cf. tread, v. 8, tread, n. II.6.) Obsolete.
  buttock1641–
  
  Criminals' slang. A female prostitute. Obsolete except in buttock and file at phrases.
  sister of the scabbard1641–52
  
  A prostitute.
  town ladya1642–
  
  (a) A woman (esp. one of higher social status) who lives in a town; (b) euphemistic a prostitute (now historical); cf. town miss, n., town woman, n.…
  night-walker1648–
  
  A prostitute, esp. one who solicits on the streets at night; = streetwalker, n. 2. Now chiefly Law.
  mob?1650–1785
  
  slang. A promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Also: a dirty or untidy woman. Obsolete.
  lady (also girl, etc.) of the game1651–
  
  slang. With the. Prostitution. Earliest in lady (also girl,etc.) of the game. In later use chiefly in on the game: see phrases P.6.2.
  lady of pleasure1652–
  
  A courtesan, a prostitute.
  vizard1652–1719
  
  A person wearing a visor or mask; spec. a woman of dubious character wearing a mask in public, a prostitute. Obsolete. (Cf. vizard-mask, n. 2.)
  trugmullion1654–1798
  
  = trug, n.² Also attributive.
  fallen woman1659–
  
  A woman who has lost her chastity, honour, or standing, or who has become morally degenerate; (sometimes) a prostitute.
  girlc1662–
  
  A prostitute.
  high-flyer1663–
  
  slang. An immodest or promiscuous woman; a high-class, fashionable prostitute or courtesan. Now historical and rare.
  fireship1665–1857
  
  slang. A person, esp. a woman, infected with a venereal disease. Also: a prostitute. Cf. firedrake, n. 3d. Obsolete.
  women-striker1665
  
  A female prostitute (see striker, n. I.2d).
  quaedama1670
  
  derogatory. Obsolete. rare. A loose woman, esp. a prostitute.
  small girl1671–1718
  
  A mistress, a paramour; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  visor-mask1672–
  
  (a) A form of disguising mask; a domino; (b) a prostitute. Cf. vizard-mask, n.
  vizard-mask1672–
  
  A woman who wears such a mask; a prostitute. (Cf. vizard, n. & adj.5.)
  bulker1673–1790
  
  A petty thief; spec. = bulk, n.³ Also (derogatory): a prostitute or promiscuous woman. Also (cant): a person who lives on the streets (see quot…
  marmalade-madam1674–1717
  
  A prostitute.
  painted woman1675–
  
  A woman wearing cosmetics; spec. (euphemistic) a disreputable woman, a prostitute; cf. painted lady, n. 1.
  town miss1675–
  
  A young woman who lives in a town; spec. a kept mistress, a prostitute.
  town woman1675–
  
  A woman who lives in a town; (euphemistic) a prostitute; cf. town lady, n., town miss, n., woman of the town at town, n. phrases P.6.2.
  crack1677–1785
  
  A woman of broken reputation; a wench, a prostitute. Obsolete.
  lady of the night1677–
  
  euphemistic. A prostitute. Cf. lady of the evening n. at lady, n. phrases P.3.3.
  mawks1677
  
  A slattern, a slovenly woman. Formerly also: †a prostitute (obsolete).
  fling-stink1679–
  
  derogatory. = fling-dust, n.
  daughter of joy1683–
  
  A prostitute.
  Whetstone whore1684
  
  man-leech1687
  
  A prostitute.
  nocturnal1693–
  
  A person out at night, esp. with criminal intentions. (In quot. 1693: a night-hag.)
  sporting girl1694–
  
  (a) = sportswoman, n.; (b) U.S. slang a prostitute.
  hack1699–
  
  slang. A prostitute; (also) a procuress, a pimp. Now rare.
  strum1699–
  
  A prostitute; = strumpet, n. A.1.
  fille de joie1705–
  
  A prostitute.
  sportswoman1705–1816
  
  A promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  market-dame1706–
  
  derogatory (now rare). A woman who works at a market (in early use with connotations of promiscuity).
  mobbed hood1707
  
  A prostitute (cf. mob, n.¹ 1).
  screw1725–
  
  coarse slang. A woman with whom a person has sexual intercourse; a sexual partner; esp. (in earlier use) a prostitute.
  girl of (the) town1733–
  
  colloquial (now historical) girl of (the) town: a prostitute (see phrases P.2.1(a)); cf. town, n. phrases P.6.2.
  Cytherean1751–
  
  A votaress of Venus; a prostitute attached to a heathen temple in India; also generally.
  frail lady1752–
  
  Of a woman: promiscuous, licentious; willing to engage in casual sexual relationships. Also in frail lady, frail fair one, etc.: a prostitute. Now…
  street girl1764–
  
  A girl who lives or works on the streets, spec. a prostitute.
  monnisher1765–
  
  A girl, a woman; esp. a prostitute. Later also: the girlfriend of a thief or criminal. Cf. moll, n.² 1 2.
  lady of easy virtue1766–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, a prostitute.
  woman (also lady) of the town1766
  
  euphemistic. woman (also lady) of the town: a prostitute. Cf. girl of (the) town at girl, n. phrases P.2.2, town woman, n. Now archaic.
  kennel-nymph1771–
  
  A girl of the streets.
  mot1773–1866
  
  A promiscuous woman or girl; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  chicken1782–
  
  slang (chiefly U.S.). A prostitute (now rare); a promiscuous woman. In later use also: a woman regarded as a sexual object (cf. chick, n.¹ A.I.3).
  frail1782–
  
  Chiefly U.S. Usually depreciative. A sexually promiscuous woman; (also) a prostitute; a mistress. Later also: a girl or woman, esp. considered…
  stargazer1785–
  
  slang. A prostitute, esp. one who works outdoors. Now historical.
  Miss Laycock1788–
  
  The female genitals; (hence) a woman offering sexual services; a prostitute.
  pintle-monger?1800–
  
  A prostitute.
  loose fish1809–
  
  (a) colloquial a person of irregular habits; †(b) a common prostitute; (c) (see quot. 1864); (d) Whaling (see quot. 1883).
  receiver general1811
  
  slang. A prostitute. Obsolete.
  scarlet woman1816–
  
  derogatory. Originally = scarlet lady, n. above; later used to mean: a notoriously immoral woman; a prostitute.
  blowen1819–
  
  A prostitute; (also) a woman who lives with a man outside marriage; a man's mistress.
  Cyprian1819–
  
  An inhabitant or native of Cyprus, a Cypriot; hence transferred. A licentious or profligate person; in later use spec. a prostitute.
  mollya1822–
  
  A girl, a woman, esp. a lower-class one; (occasionally) a prostitute. Cf. moll, n.² Now chiefly Irish English.
  dolly-mop1834–
  
  slang derogatory. A young woman given to engaging in casual sexual relationships; a promiscuous woman.
  shickster?1834–82
  
  A woman; esp. a promiscuous woman or prostitute. Cf. shiksa, n.
  hooker1835–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A prostitute; esp. one who solicits clients on the street.
  charver1846–
  
  slang (British and Irish English). Chiefly depreciative. A promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Hence: women considered sexually; (also) an act of sexual intercourse with a woman.
  field whore1846–
  
  (a) rare (derogatory) a prostitute; (b) a woman made use of as a prostitute by soldiers on active service, prison guards, etc., a camp prostitute.
  tail1846–
  
  slang. †(a) A prostitute (obsolete); (b) offensive women regarded collectively (by men) as a means of sexual gratification; sexual intercourse; a…
  horse-breaker1861–1970
  
  A courtesan; a demi-mondaine; a prostitute. Frequently pretty horsebreaker. Obsolete.
  professional1862–
  
  Chiefly colloquial. A prostitute. Cf. profession, n. II.7e.
  flagger1865–
  
  slang. A prostitute who seeks clients on the streets.
  cocodette1867–
  
  A French prostitute of the fashionable world.
  cocotte1867–
  
  A prostitute; one of a class of the demi-monde of Paris.
  pickup1871–
  
  A person met casually, esp. one with whom a person aims to establish a sexual relationship; a prostitute, spec. one who solicits clients on the…
  queen's woman1871–
  
  A female prostitute who received medical attention under the terms of the Contagious Diseases Acts of the 1860s.
  common prostitute1875–
  
  depreciative. Of a woman: sexually available or promiscuous. Esp. in †common woman (obsolete). In later use passing into sense A.I.5 or A.II.11…
  joro1884–
  
  In Japan: a prostitute.
  chippy1885–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). derogatory and offensive. A young woman regarded as disreputable or sexually promiscuous; (also) a prostitute..Also more…
  horizontal1888–
  
  [French (grande) horizontale.] A prostitute. Also grand horizontal; also in French form. slang.
  tart1888–
  
  slang. A prostitute.
  mallee root1892–
  
  (a) The root of a mallee, used as a form of fuel; (b) Australian slang, a prostitute.
  flossy1893–
  
  colloquial and usually derogatory. Now chiefly Australian. A sexually promiscuous woman, spec. a prostitute. Also a disparaging term for: a (young) woman. Cf. floozy, n.
  moth1896–
  
  slang. A prostitute. Now rare.
  girl of the pavement1900–
  
  colloquial. girl of the pavement: a prostitute (cf. = nymph of the pavé at nymph, n.¹ 2a).
  scrub1900–
  
  transferred. slang (derogatory). A disreputable woman; a prostitute.
  pross1902–
  
  A prostitute. Cf. prossie, n.
  prossie1902–
  
  A prostitute. Cf. pross, n.
  pusher1902–
  
  slang (chiefly Services' slang). A girl or young woman; (also) spec. a female prostitute. Cf. earlier square-pusher, n.
  split-arse mechanic1903–
  
  (See quot. 1903).
  broad1909–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A woman. Now dated. In general use. Now likely to be considered offensive.
  cake1909–
  
  slang (frequently depreciative). Originally: a promiscuous woman; a prostitute. In later use (esp. in African-American usage): a good-looking or…
  woman of the street1910–
  
  A female prostitute who solicits clients in the street (cf. streetwalker, n. 2).
  broad1914–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A woman. Now dated. With derogatory or depreciative connotations of sexual promiscuity. Sometimes spec.: a…
  muff1914–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). A woman, a girl, esp. a promiscuous one; a prostitute.
  pick-me-up1918–
  
  A person willing to be picked up; a prostitute. Cf. pickup, n. A.II.12.
  shawl1922–
  
  A common prostitute. Cf. shawlie, n. slang.
  bum1923–
  
  derogatory. U.S. slang. A sexually promiscuous woman; (sometimes) spec. a prostitute. Cf. tramp, n.¹ 4b.
  quiff1923–
  
  A young woman; spec. a prostitute. Also in extended use: a woman or women regarded as a means of sexual gratification; the vulva, the vagina.
  hustler1924–
  
  A prostitute. slang.
  lady of the evening1924–
  
  A prostitute (cf. lady of the night, n. 2).
  prostie1926–
  
  A prostitute. Cf. prossie, n.
  round-heeler1927–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, esp. a prostitute; cf. round heel, n.
  working girl1928–
  
  colloquial (originally U.S.). euphemistic. A prostitute.
  prostisciutto1930–
  
  A female prostitute regarded metaphorically as an item on a menu.
  chromo1931–
  
  A female prostitute.
  party girl1931–
  
  A (young) woman who is a keen and frequent partygoer; (hence) one with a hedonistic lifestyle; spec. a prostitute.
  maggie1932–
  
  U.S. slang. A prostitute.
  brass1934–
  
  Used elliptically for various things made of brass: esp. slang. = brass nail, n.
  brass nail1934–
  
  A prostitute.
  mud kicker1934–
  
  A woman who entices a man with the promise of sexual intercourse but who robs him instead. Also: a prostitute who seeks business on the streets; = s…
  puta1934–
  
  slang (derogatory and offensive). In Spanish-speaking countries or parts of America: a prostitute; a sexually promiscuous woman.
  scupper1935–
  
  figurative. coarse slang. A depreciatory term for a woman, esp. a prostitute.
  model1936–
  
  euphemistic. A prostitute.
  poule de luxe1937–
  
  slang. A girl or young woman, esp. a promiscuous one.
  pro1937–
  
  A prostitute; = professional, n. B.1b.
  Tom1941–
  
  With reference to a woman. British slang. A prostitute.
  round heels1944–
  
  In plural. A sexually promiscuous woman, esp. a prostitute. (Chiefly in nicknames and derogatory descriptions.)
  pan-pan1949–
  
  In Japan: a Japanese woman consorting with foreign men, esp. with Allied soldiers during the Allied occupation (1945–52); spec. a prostitute working…
  scrubber1954–
  
  slang (originally British). derogatory or depreciative and potentially offensive. A woman who has (or is said to have) many casual sexual…
  twopenny upright1958–
  
  A prostitute.
  slack1959–
  
  A street-walker or prostitute. slang.
  yum-yum girl1960–
  
  An action providing a pleasurable or delicious sensation; love-making; (Naval slang) love-letters. yum-yum girl (euphemistic): a prostitute.
  Suzie Wong1962–
  
  A woman (esp. a prostitute) in Hong Kong who consorts with visiting servicemen, etc.; also used generically in singular, and attributive.
  mattress1964–
  
  slang (chiefly U.S.). A prostitute; a woman who has had numerous sexual partners.
  jamette1965–
  
  derogatory. A woman regarded as shameless or sexually promiscuous. Also sometimes: a prostitute.
  ho1966–
  
  A prostitute.
  sex worker1971–
  
  A person who is paid or employed to provide sexual services, esp. one working in the pornography business or as a prostitute.
  pavement princess1976–
  
  A prostitute who seeks business on the streets.
  parlour girl1979–
  
  (Originally) a parlourmaid; (later) a prostitute.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world physical sensation sexual relations types of sexual behaviour [nouns] promiscuity person specifically a woman
  whorec1175–
  
  Chiefly derogatory and now offensive. A sexually promiscuous, wanton, or lascivious woman. Also occasionally (esp. with possessive): a concubine…
  ribalda1350–1677
  
  A promiscuous woman, or one regarded as lacking in morals; (also) a prostitute. Obsolete.
  strumpeta1350–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A female prostitute; (also) a mistress, a concubine. More generally: a sexually promiscuous or lascivious woman.
  wench1362–
  
  A wanton woman; a mistress. Obsolete exc. archaic.
  parnelc1390–
  
  A prostitute; a loose woman; (also) †a priest's mistress (obsolete). Also in extended use: a weak or effeminate man. In later use archaic or regional.
  callet1415–
  
  derogatory. A lascivious or sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Also as a general term of abuse for a woman. Now archaic and English regional (northern).
  slut?c1425–
  
  Chiefly derogatory and offensive. A sexually promiscuous or lascivious woman; (also) a female prostitute. In earlier use also: a vulgar…
  tickle-tailc1430–
  
  A dissolute or wanton woman; cf. tickle, adj. 3b. Now dialect.
  harlot?a1475–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A female prostitute; (also) a mistress, a concubine. More generally: a wanton, lascivious, or sexually promiscuous woman. Also as…
  kittock?a1500–
  
  A familiar or disrespectful term for a girl or young woman; esp. a woman inclined to promiscuous or unrestrained sexual conduct; a mistress.
  mulea1513–1746
  
  In extended use, of a person. A promiscuous woman, a mistress. Obsolete.
  danta1529
  
  ‘A profligate woman’ (Halliwell).
  stewed whore1532–75
  
  Belonging to the stews. stewed whore, stewed strumpet: vaguely used as opprobrious epithets imputing unchastity.
  Tib1533–1699
  
  Formerly: a typical name for a woman of lower social status, as in Tib and Tom (cf. Jack and Jill, n. 1). Also: a girl or lass, a sweetheart, a…
  unchaghe1534
  
  A foolish or wanton woman.
  Katy1535
  
  A wanton.
  jillet1541–
  
  A woman who is sexually promiscuous or who is flirtatious or coquettish. Also later more generally (sometimes depreciative): a woman or girl, esp…
  yaud1545
  
  derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman. Combination: ȝaldson, a term of abuse (cf. whoreson, n.).
  Canace1551–1678
  
  (The name of Canace (see the etymology section) used as the type of) an incestuous or sexually immoral woman.
  limmer1555–
  
  derogatory and offensive. A woman characterized or stereotyped as sexually promiscuous or disreputable; also as a general term of contempt. Now often…
  Jezebel1558–
  
  An immoral, impudent, or sexually promiscuous woman; (esp. in earlier use) a woman who leads other people into idolatry and sin (see Revelation…
  kittyc1560–72
  
  A girl or young woman; sometimes (= kittie unsel) a woman regarded as of immoral character. (Cf. kittock, n.) Scottish. Obsolete.
  mort1567–1708
  
  A promiscuous woman or girl; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  loon1568–1828
  
  Chiefly depreciative or derogatory. A person (esp. a woman) who has many casual sexual encounters or relationships, or who engages in a sexual…
  rannell1573–93
  
  A prostitute; a dissolute, immoral, or promiscuous woman.
  rig1575–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, or one regarded as lacking in morals; (in early use esp.) a prostitute. Cf. tomrigg, n.
  Kita1577–1600
  
  A light woman. Cf. kittock, n.
  light-skirts1578–
  
  (A name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Also occasionally in singular.
  pucelle1578–1699
  
  A (female) prostitute; (also) a sexually promiscuous woman. Obsolete.
  harlotry1584–1816
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Frequently (and in earliest use) as a general term of contempt or abuse for a woman…
  light o' lovea1586–
  
  A person who is fickle or inconstant in love; a flirt. Also: (a name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute. In later use also more…
  wagtail1592–1710
  
  transferred. esp. A contemptuous term for a profligate or inconstant woman; hence, a prostitute, a courtesan.
  flirt-gill1597–1625
  
  A woman of light or loose behaviour. Cf. jill-flirt, n.
  minx1598–
  
  A lewd or wanton woman; (also) a prostitute; a mistress.
  short-heels1599–
  
  A wanton person.
  light-heels1602–80
  
  (A name for) a sexually promiscuous woman; a prostitute.
  bat1607–
  
  colloquial and depreciative. A prostitute, esp. one who walks the streets at night. Also: a woman considered to be sexually promiscuous. Now U.S. reg…
  amorosa1615–65
  
  A lascivious woman; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  laced muttona1616
  
  Prostitutes or promiscuous women collectively; (also as a count noun) a prostitute or promiscuous woman; cf. mutton, n. 4.
  open-taila1618
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman.
  succubus1622–
  
  transferred. A woman regarded as sexually promiscuous; a term of abuse for a woman, occasionally applied to a man.
  buttered bun1638–
  
  slang (chiefly depreciative). A woman who has just had penetrative sex with one or more men, regarded as a prospective sexual partner for another man; (more generally) a sexually…
  cunt1663–
  
  offensive and chiefly derogatory. A woman as a source of sexual gratification; a promiscuous woman. Also as a general term of abuse for a woman.
  quaedama1670
  
  derogatory. Obsolete. rare. A loose woman, esp. a prostitute.
  jilt1672–1815
  
  A woman who has lost her chastity; a harlot or strumpet; a kept mistress. Obsolete.
  grass-girl1691
  
  (Perhaps) a promiscuous woman; cf. grass widow, n. 1.
  sportswoman1705–1816
  
  A promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  trollop1742
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A sexually promiscuous or wanton woman; (sometimes) spec. a prostitute (now rare and somewhat dated). In early use also as a…
  gillyflower1757–
  
  (In forms gilliver, jilliver.) English regional (chiefly northern) slang. A promiscuous or wanton woman. Now rare.
  lady of easy virtue1766–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, a prostitute.
  mot1773–1866
  
  A promiscuous woman or girl; a prostitute. Obsolete.
  chicken1782–
  
  slang (chiefly U.S.). A prostitute (now rare); a promiscuous woman. In later use also: a woman regarded as a sexual object (cf. chick, n.¹ A.I.3).
  scarlet woman1816–
  
  derogatory. Originally = scarlet lady, n. above; later used to mean: a notoriously immoral woman; a prostitute.
  shickster?1834–82
  
  A woman; esp. a promiscuous woman or prostitute. Cf. shiksa, n.
  charver1846–
  
  slang (British and Irish English). Chiefly depreciative. A promiscuous woman; a prostitute. Hence: women considered sexually; (also) an act of sexual intercourse with a woman.
  trolly1854–1923
  
  English regional (northern and midlands) and Scottish (derogatory). Obsolete. A slovenly woman, a slattern; (also occasionally) a sexually promiscuous woman; = trollop, n. 1. Cf. trollymog, n. 1.
  anonyma1862–
  
  A promiscuous or disreputable woman associated with fashionable society or the demi-monde; esp. a high-class prostitute or courtesan. Now historical…
  chippy1885–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). derogatory and offensive. A young woman regarded as disreputable or sexually promiscuous; (also) a prostitute..Also more…
  tartlet1886–
  
  colloquial (chiefly derogatory). A young prostitute. Also: a sexually promiscuous young woman; a young woman who dresses or behaves in sexually…
  wish-wife1886–
  
  A light woman.
  tart1887–
  
  colloquial and derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman; a woman who dresses or behaves in a sexually provocative way. Also more generally as a…
  flossy1893–
  
  colloquial and usually derogatory. Now chiefly Australian. A sexually promiscuous woman, spec. a prostitute. Also a disparaging term for: a (young) woman. Cf. floozy, n.
  fly girl1893–
  
  A lewd or sexually promiscuous young woman, esp. a prostitute.
  floozy1899–
  
  colloquial and usually derogatory (originally U.S.). A sexually promiscuous woman; (sometimes) spec. a prostitute. Also a disparaging term for: a (young) woman; (with possessive) a girlfriend, a…
  slattern1899–
  
  A disreputable or sexually promiscuous woman. Cf. slut, n. I.2a.
  cake1909–
  
  slang (frequently depreciative). Originally: a promiscuous woman; a prostitute. In later use (esp. in African-American usage): a good-looking or…
  coozie1912–
  
  A sexually attractive or promiscuous woman; = floozy, n. Now rare.
  muff1914–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). A woman, a girl, esp. a promiscuous one; a prostitute.
  yes-girl1920–
  
  A young woman who assents to romantic or sexual proposals; a promiscuous woman.
  tramp1922–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). A sexually promiscuous woman.
  bag1924–
  
  slang (originally U.S.). A disparaging term for a woman; (originally) a sexually promiscuous woman; (later) an unattractive or elderly woman; = b…
  poule1924–
  
  slang. A girl or young woman, esp. a promiscuous one.
  blimp1926–
  
  figurative, of a person. U.S. slang. depreciative. A young woman; esp. one who is considered sexually promiscuous. Cf. bag, n. III.17. Now rare.
  round-heeler1927–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman, esp. a prostitute; cf. round heel, n.
  round heel1933–
  
  In singular (now usually as one word). = sense 1c. Cf. pushover, n. 2c.
  puta1934–
  
  slang (derogatory and offensive). In Spanish-speaking countries or parts of America: a prostitute; a sexually promiscuous woman.
  round heels1944–
  
  In plural. A sexually promiscuous woman, esp. a prostitute. (Chiefly in nicknames and derogatory descriptions.)
  bike1945–
  
  slang (originally Australian). derogatory. A woman regarded as sexually promiscuous.
  cooze1955–
  
  A woman, esp. one who is sexually attractive or promiscuous. Also as a general term of contempt for a woman (cf. cunt, n. 2a).
  freak1955–
  
  U.S. slang (esp. in African-American usage). An attractive or desirable young woman or (rarely) man. Also derogatory: a woman who has had many…
  punch board1955–
  
  slang (derogatory). A promiscuous woman.
  slag1958–
  
  colloquial (chiefly British). derogatory and offensive. A sexually promiscuous or lascivious woman. Also: a female prostitute.
  skank1959–
  
  Chiefly derogatory. A person regarded as unattractive, unpleasant, or disreputable; esp. a woman who has many casual sexual encounters or…
  ho1964–
  
  offensive and chiefly derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman. Also (and in earliest use) more generally: (a disparaging term for) a woman, esp. a…
  jamette1965–
  
  derogatory. A woman regarded as shameless or sexually promiscuous. Also sometimes: a prostitute.
  slagbag1966–
  
  slang (derogatory). A disparaging term for a woman, especially one regarded as sexually promiscuous. More generally: any objectionable or irritating person. Also as…
  spare1969–
  
  slang. An unattached woman, esp. one available for casual sex. Frequently in a bit of spare.
  hosebag1974–
  
  North American slang (derogatory). A sexually promiscuous woman. Also as a more general term of abuse for an obnoxious or irritating person of…
  mama1980–
  
  In more general senses (originally in African-American usage). slang (chiefly U.S.). A wife, a girlfriend; a sexually attractive woman; a promiscuous…
  skeezer1986–
  
  A sexually promiscuous woman; = ho, n.⁷ 1.
  slutbag1987–
  
  slang (derogatory and offensive). A sexually promiscuous person (originally and esp. a woman). Also as a more general term of abuse for an objectionable or irritating person.
  chickenhead1988–
  
  U.S. derogatory slang (esp. in African-American usage). A sexually promiscuous woman; (also more generally) a woman. Also as adj.
  skeeze1989–
  
  A sexually promiscuous, sleazy, or disreputable person (esp. a woman); = skank, n.¹ 1
  Essex girl1991–
  
  British derogatory. A contemptuous term applied (usually jocular) to a type of young woman, supposedly to be found in and around Essex, and variously characterized as…
  hoochie mama1993–
  
  A (young) woman who is sexually promiscuous or who behaves or dresses in a sexually provocative manner. Usually derogatory. Cf. earlier hoochie, n.¹…
  knob jockey2003–
  
  offensive. A sexually promiscuous woman.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
6. 1. II.9.a.
    1840–
    
    U.S. Navy slang. A ship's boy, esp. one under the protection or care of a more experienced sailor. Now rare.
    1840
    Was you a chicken of Daniel Lupenny on board the Marion?
    Special Court Martial Daniel Lupenny in Rec. Proc. General Courts Martial & Courts of Inq. U.S. Navy Department vol. XXXIX. Case No. 761 257
    1848
    The specimens from Lot's Wife Monument are being broken and rebroken, so that ‘Jack and his chicken’ may each have a piece.
    Narr. Late Exped. to Dead Sea 4 December (1849) xlvii. 331
    1879
    He was brought into the Hospital, and the old fellow whose ‘chicken’ he was, was allowed to accompany and nurse him.
    J. McElroy, Andersonville xlvii. 361
    1896
    He is engaged in embroidering, with silks of many colors, the collar of a frock for his ‘chicken’.
    A. Sinclair, Two Years on Alabama (ed. 3) vii. 121
    1932
    Richard Schobel, the chicken of the ship, has what the women go wild about, mainly, youth, beauty and innocence.
    Leatherneck July 21/3
    navy U.S. English colloquial and slang
  2. II.9.b.
    1887–
    
    U.S. Military slang. A young or new recruit. Now rare.
    1887
    There was no man in my company—from old Graylocks, of nearly sixty, down to the callow ‘chicken’ of seventeen—but what felt qualified to fill such a bill.
    J. D. Billings, Hardtack & Coffee xviii. 333
    1950
    In that whole exhausting ten weeks, no ‘chicken’—as they call the recruits—dares even so much as speak.
    National Geographic Magazine November 661/1
    1965
    I've got retreads, and chickens bloated with fever, but they turn to at reveille.
    C. Koch, Casual Company i. i. 7
    military U.S. English colloquial and slang
7. II.10.
  1914–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A young homosexual man, esp. a young male prostitute. Also: a boy or young man regarded as a sexual object by another (typically older) man (cf. chickenhawk n. 2).
  1914
  They demand young boys—‘chickens’, they call them—and they will stoop to almost anything to satisfy their desire in this regard.
  Sacramento (California) Bee 23 November 6/2
  1945
  I think it was because I was getting more chickens than he was. I have three 17 year old ones..on the string and he seems to resent it.
  T. Williams, Letter 2 March in Letters to Donald Windham (1977) 164
  1977
  Grandfatherly ‘chicken hawks’, men in their 50s and 60s, haggle with ‘chickens’, teen-age boy hustlers, through the windows of Cadillacs.
  Time 15 August 31/1
  2002
  All those ‘high school’ gay men..can go to a prom and hit on Raw Chickens as young as 14!
  Chicken-chasing at ‘Gay Proms’ in alt.politics.homosexuality (Usenet newsgroup) 14 August
  U.S. English colloquial and slang
  the world physical sensation sexual relations sexual orientation homosexuality [nouns] a homosexual person male boy or youth
  bardash1550–
  
  A boy or young man who is made use of as a (typically passive) sexual partner by an older man. More generally: a (younger) passive partner in…
  catamite?1552–
  
  A boy or young man who is made use of as a (typically passive) sexual partner by an older man. More generally: a (younger) passive partner in…
  Ganymede1558–
  
  allusively. A boy or (usually young) man likened to the beautiful youth Ganymede of Greek mythology… A boy or young man who is made use of as a…
  ingle1592–
  
  A lover, a sexual partner; esp. a boy or young man who is made use of as a (typically passive) sexual partner by an older man. More generally: a…
  ningle1602–68
  
  A close male friend, a confidant; (also, derogatory) a subservient lover, esp. a homosexual one. Cf. ingle, n.²
  Ganymedean1603
  
  Probably: an older man who makes use of a boy or young man as a (typically passive) sexual partner. Cf. Ganymede, n. 1a. Obsolete.
  pathic1605–
  
  A man or boy who is the passive partner in homosexual anal intercourse.
  prostitute1654–1755
  
  A boy kept by a man as a sexual partner; a catamite. Obsolete (but cf. sense 1c).
  love-boy1655–
  
  †(a) Cupid (obsolete rare); (b) a male lover (cf. lover-boy, n.) (rare); (c) a catamite.
  punk1698–
  
  Originally: †a boy or young man kept by an older man as a (typically passive) sexual partner, a catamite (obsolete). Later: a man who is made use of…
  chicken1914–
  
  slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A young homosexual man, esp. a young male prostitute. Also: a boy or young man regarded as a sexual object…
  tart1935–
  
  British slang. Chiefly in public schools: a boy or young man who is the (sexual) companion or favourite of an older boy or man. Now somewhat rare.
  bumboy1937–
  
  slang (originally British). derogatory and offensive. A young homosexual man, esp. a male prostitute.
  mo1968–
  
  Among young people: a homosexual boy or man; an effeminate boy or man.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
III.
Other uses.
1. III.11.
  1849–
  
  A game of hazard played for low stakes; = chicken hazard n. Cf. hazard n. A.1. Now rare.
  Largely superseded by sense III.13.
  1849
  We had a merry time of it all the way to town! slanging the fellows in the neighbouring den playing ‘chicken’,—literally a ‘hell in harness’.
  Bentley's Miscellany March 283
  1865
  ‘Don't go; let's have a little chicken’... A ‘little chicken’ does not mean a wing and a little weak white wine and water, but the rattling of certain ivory cubes in a little leather box.
  Daily Telegraph 5 December 3/4
  1866
  ‘How did you sleep, Jem?’ asked our host of the party. ‘Never closed my eyes,’ said Jem—(it was true, for he had played ‘Chicken’ till 7.45)—‘those confounded nightingales made such a row!’
  Baily's Monthly Magazine June 306
  1932
  He does not mind staying out until all hours playing chicken.
  Thomasville (Georgia) Times-Enterprise 23 June 3/1
  dice
  society leisure entertainment pastimes game games of chance dice-playing [nouns] other dice games
  rafflec1405–
  
  †(a) A game of chance played with three dice, the winner being the person to throw three of a kind or, failing that, the highest instance of two…
  passagec1425–
  
  A gambling game for two people played with three dice, in which the aim is to throw a double over ten. Cf. pass-dice, n. Now historical.
  treygobet1426–1587
  
  Name of an old game at dice.
  mumchance1528–
  
  (a) A dice game resembling hazard. Now historical. (b) In extended use: a chance, a hazardous venture (cf. hazard, n. & adj.phrases P.3). Now E…
  trey-trip1564–1660
  
  A game at dice, or with dice, in which success probably depended on the casting of a trey or three.
  lots?1577–
  
  In plural. Any of various games played with dice or similar objects; a game of chance. Also as the name of various games. Now historical and rare.
  novum?1577–1807
  
  A dice game played by five or six persons, the two principal throws being nine and five. (In later use chiefly with reference to quot. 1598).
  fox-mine-host1622
  
  (See quot. 1622 and fox, v. 2).
  in and in1630–74
  
  A gambling game, played by three persons with four dice; the player who threw in and in (see above) took all the stake. Obsolete.
  merry main1664–1827
  
  The game of hazard (see main, n.² 1b).
  snake1688
  
  Some dicing game. Obsolete. rare.
  pass-dice1753–1805
  
  The game of passage (passage, n. III.12).
  chicken hazard1781–
  
  A game of hazard (see hazard, n. A.1) played for low stakes.
  Shaking in the Shallow1795–1830
  
  A kind of hat. Obsolete.
  sequin hazard1825–54
  
  A gambling game played with dice; = chicken hazard, n.
  chuck-a-luck1836–
  
  A gambling game played with dice. Frequently attributive.
  Newmarket1837–94
  
  A game played with three dice in which the object is to roll the highest score in a single roll; (also) the (single) toss of a coin to decide a…
  chicken1849–
  
  A game of hazard played for low stakes; = chicken hazard, n. Cf. hazard, n. A.1. Now rare.
  poker dice1870–
  
  (a) Dice with playing-card designs on some or all faces; (b) a dice game in which the thrower aims for combinations of several dice similar to…
  under and over1890–
  
  under and over, a gambling game with dice.
  sweat1894–
  
  U.S. Name for a gambling game played with three dice. (Cf. sweat-cloth, n.)
  crown and anchor1902–
  
  A gambling game played on a board or cloth divided into six squares, one marked with a crown, one with an anchor, and the remainder with each of the…
  Murrumbidgee1917–
  
  A gambling game played with dice, similar to craps.
  beetle1936–
  
  A dice game having as its object the drawing or assembly of a beetle-shaped figure. So beetle drive (after whist drive).
  liar dice1946–
  
  A gambling game resembling poker dice, in which the thrower conceals the dice thrown and sometimes declares a false score; also elliptical (in plural…
  Yahtzee1957–
  
  The proprietary name of a game (originally ‘the yacht game’) played with dice and a score sheet.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. III.12.
  1918–
  
  Military slang (chiefly U.S.). An eagle emblem, spec. the insignia of the rank of colonel. Cf. chicken colonel n.
  1918
  There was a [German] General in a shining hilmet [sic] with a gold chicken on the top of it.
  Sydney Stock & Station Journal 20 December 2/5
  1920
  You ain't no officer, you ain't got no chicken on your shoulders.
  H. H. Bissell, Hist. Sixty-third U.S. Infantry, 1917–19 254
  1956
  The new Company's cars were painted with an insignia..chosen after a Company-wide competition—an eagle with a top hat against a red cross... The chickens had been painted on all the cars.
  G. Rock, Hist. Amer. Field Service iv. 127
  1982
  Jiggs's job was in the rear on the radio and the telephone, shaking his brand-new silver chicken in people's faces.
  W. E. B. Griffin, Captains viii. 195
  2003
  When he spotted the ‘chicken’ on his shoulder and a 10th Mountain patch, Hames walked over and saluted.
  M. Jenkins, Last Ridge xv. 247
  military U.S. English colloquial and slang
  society armed hostility military organization insignia [nouns] other specific marks, etc.
  gorget1786–
  
  Military. A gilt crescent-shaped badge suspended from the neck, and hanging on the breast, formerly worn by officers on duty.
  scale1846–
  
  A plate of metal worn instead of an epaulette by soldiers, sailors, and firemen.
  eagle1851–
  
  A representation of an eagle. Cf. spread eagle, n. A.1. U.S. Military. A representation of an eagle worn on the shoulder, indicating the rank of a…
  chicken1918–
  
  Military slang (chiefly U.S.). An eagle emblem, spec. the insignia of the rank of colonel. Cf. chicken colonel, n.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. III.13.
  
  Chiefly in to play chicken.
  1. III.13.a.
    1949–
    
    A game in which the first person to lose his or her nerve and withdraw from an increasingly dangerous situation is the loser. Also in extended use with reference to any risky or dangerous situation. Cf. chicken adj.
    The game is typically played by driving cars towards each other at speed or by standing in front of fast-moving vehicles.
    1949
    Compared to Russian roulette,..‘chicken’ has the advantage in that if you win, you take your friends with you.
    Collier's 28 May 76/4
    1949
    A recent automobile accident which resulted in death to occupants of the cars was the result of playing ‘chicken’.
    Mason City (Iowa) Globe-Gaz. 12 November 16/7
    1962
    The spectacle of jay walkers playing chicken against the lights may be seen every day.
    Times 18 May 13/3
    2013
    This isn't just building on a flood plain, which is inadvisable enough, it's playing chicken with nature.
    Times & Transcript (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 2 July d4
    2018
    Those who play chicken in the street or on the train tracks. I'm not sure your family will see the funny side of it should you slip.
    Kent Messenger (Nexis) 18 October
    games
    society leisure entertainment pastimes game other specific games [nouns] others
    sitisota1400–1628
    
    A kind of game, apparently involving an exchange of blows.
    papsea1450
    
    A type of game, perhaps involving buffets or blows (of the hand).
    half-bowl1478–
    
    A game in which a number of skittles are set up to be knocked down with a hemisphere of wood.
    pluck at the crow1523–70
    
    intransitive. Scottish. pluck at the crow: the name of a game, apparently in which a person was pulled by the clothes and hair by the other players…
    white and black1555
    
    A game of some kind (not identified).
    running game1581–
    
    (a) A game that involves running; (b) Sport the part of a player or team's play that involves running; the part of a sporting contest that…
    blow-pointa1586–1801
    
    A game (see quot. 1801).
    hot cocklesa1586–
    
    A game in which one player lies face downwards, or kneels down with the eyes covered, and attempts to guess which of the other players has struck…
    one penny1585–1677
    
    The name of a game, seen as the equivalent of ancient Greek basilinda.
    cockelty bread1595–
    
    A type of bread; (perhaps) bread made from dough kneaded with the buttocks (see note).
    pouch1600
    
    The name of a game. Obsolete. rare.
    venter-point1600
    
    (Some game.)
    hinch-pinch1603–11
    
    The name of some rustic game.
    hardhead1606–
    
    A game in which two or more contestants headbutt each other as a test of physical toughness; frequently in to play at hardheads. Also in later use…
    poor and rich1621–1737
    
    A kind of game (not identified).
    rowland-hoe1622–
    
    A kind of game (not identified).
    hubbub1634–
    
    A name given by the New England colonists to a game played by various Indigenous peoples involving a bowl and counters.
    handicap?a1653–
    
    A game in which one person claims an article belonging to another and offers something in exchange, an umpire being chosen to decide the…
    owl1653–59
    
    A kind of game (not identified). Obsolete. rare.
    ostomachy1656
    
    A game played with bones (see quot.).
    prelledsa1660
    
    A game (not identified).
    quarter-spellsa1660
    
    Some kind of game.
    yert-point1659
    
    = yark, n. 1 yert-point n. Name of some game (cf. blow-point, n.).
    bob-her1702
    
    score1710
    
    plural as the name of a game. Obsolete.
    parson has lost his cloak1712–
    
    A forfeit game in which players, under assumed names, accuse each other of stealing the parson's cloak (or coat, etc.), anyone failing to answer…
    drop (also throw) (the) handkerchief1754–
    
    Any of various games in which a person near whom a handkerchief is dropped or to whom one is thrown runs after and tries to catch the person who…
    French Fox1759–1889
    
    A type of active indoor game.
    goal1765–
    
    The name of various games and sports; spec. (a) (in plural) Eton College (an early or informal name for) the field game (historical and rare in later…
    warpling o' the green1768–
    
    The action of the verb; †warpling o' the green, a rustic game.
    start1788
    
    North American. A game (not identified). Obsolete.
    kiss-in-the-ring1801–
    
    An open-air game played by young people of both sexes, who stand in a ring with hands joined, except one who runs round outside the ring and…
    steal-clothes1809–
    
    steal-coat1816–
    
    (See quots.).
    petits paquets1821–74
    
    A kind of party game. Also in singular. Obsolete.
    bocce1828–
    
    An Italian game similar to bowls, usually played on a narrow clay or gravel court.
    graces1831–
    
    In plural. Frequently with the. A game, usually for two players, in which participants use a pair of slender rods to throw and catch a hoop in turn…
    Jack-in-the-box1836
    
    A sideshow game in which players throw sticks at an object placed on top of a larger stick standing in a hole, in order to claim the article as a…
    hot hand1849–
    
    Chiefly with capital initials. = hot cockles, n. 1.
    sparrow-mumbling1852–
    
    The action of holding a cock-sparrow's wing in the mouth, and attempting to draw in the head by movement of the lips.
    Aunt Sally1858–
    
    A game traditionally played in some parts of England, in which players throw sticks or balls at a wooden target (formerly also Old Aunt Sally)…
    gossip1880–
    
    Some kind of game. (Cf. Scandal.)
    Tambaroora1882–1945
    
    Used to designate a bar game in which the winner buys drinks for the players. Also in combinations, as Tambaroora muster.
    spoof1884–
    
    A game of a hoaxing and nonsensical character. Also, a trivial round game of cards in which certain cards when occurring together are denominated…
    fishpond1892–
    
    A game in which participants try to catch toy fish; also, a receptacle at a fair, etc., from which small parcels can be extracted by means of a…
    nim1901–
    
    A game in which two players alternately take one or more objects from one of a number of heaps, each trying to take, or to compel the other to take…
    diabolo1906–
    
    A game or performance in which a top (of the kind described at sense 1) is spun and balanced on a string suspended between two sticks held in the…
    Kim's game1908–
    
    A memory-testing game (see quots.).
    beaver1910–
    
    (a) A beard; (b) a bearded person; (c) a game, in which points are scored in various ways by ‘spotting’ beards.
    treasure-hunt1913–
    
    A hunt for treasure; frequently figurative and transferred a game in which hidden objects are searched for, often by following a trail of clues.
    roll-down1915–
    
    More fully (Japanese) roll down game. A game, usually played at a fair or arcade, in which balls are rolled on a board into numbered holes or…
    rock scissors paper1927–
    
    = rock paper scissors, n.
    scissors cut paper1927–
    
    In various phrases referring to the game of rock paper scissors (rock paper scissors, n.), as scissors and stones, scissors cut paper, scissors game…
    scissors game1927–
    
    In various phrases referring to the game of rock paper scissors (rock paper scissors, n.), as scissors and stones, scissors cut paper, scissors game…
    toad in the hole1930–
    
    toad in the hole: a name applied to various games, esp. a form of hide-and-seek and a game in which lead discs are thrown at holes in a wooden…
    game1932–
    
    A mechanical (later also electromechanical) piece of equipment, popularized by use in amusement arcades and often coin-operated, on which games such…
    scissors paper stone1932–
    
    = rock paper scissors, n.
    Roshambo1936–
    
    = rock paper scissors, n. Also as int.
    Marco Polo1938–
    
    A type of tag game played in a swimming pool or natural body of water, in which a player who is blindfolded or closing his or her eyes attempts to…
    scavenger hunt1940–
    
    A game in which people try to collect certain miscellaneous objects from the neighbourhood.
    skish1940–
    
    A game in which participants use fishing tackle to cast a plug or fly at a target on dry land. Also attributive.
    rock paper scissors1947–
    
    A game (used esp. to settle petty disputes or as a tiebreaker) in which, at an agreed signal, each participant makes a gesture with one hand…
    to play chicken1949–
    
    Chiefly in to play chicken. A game in which the first person to lose his or her nerve and withdraw from an increasingly dangerous situation is…
    sounding1962–
    
    Black English. Playing the dozens (play, v. II.13i).
    joning1970–
    
    A name given by black Americans to a game characterized by the exchange of insults; ‘playing the dozens’.
    arcade game1978–
    
    A (mechanical or electronic) game of a type originally popularized in amusement arcades.
    whack-a-mole1979–
    
    An arcade game in which imitation moles continuously pop up from different holes at random, and players attempt to hit them with a mallet.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society leisure entertainment pastimes game other specific games [intransitive verbs] other specific games
    to give a woman a green gowna1586–
    
    A dress stained green from rolling in grass. Chiefly in to give a woman a green gown: to engage in amorous play with a woman; (euphemistic) to…
    to play the dozens1928–
    
    the dozens: (in African-American usage) a game or ritualized exchange of verbal insults, usually about the family (esp. the mother) of one's opponent…
    to play chicken1949–
    
    Chiefly in to play chicken. A game in which the first person to lose his or her nerve and withdraw from an increasingly dangerous situation is…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. III.13.b.
    1951–
    
    figurative with reference to a situation or confrontation in which those on one side of an issue refuse to negotiate, hoping that the opposition will back down first.
    1951
    World politics is no place to play ‘chicken’.
    Coe Cosmos (Coe Coll., Cedar Rapids, Iowa) 25 October (Homecoming edition) 4/1
    1986
    Mr Reagan is not budging, determined to play chicken on the deficit for a bit longer.
    Economist 8 February 13/1
    2009
    [Mr Piëch, who] is one of the company's largest shareholders, pushes through decisions and plays chicken with anyone who crosses his path.
    Financial Times 26 May 11/1
    2019
    Our illustrious and gaudily-socked prime minister is playing chicken with the U.S.
    Medicine Hat (Alberta) News (Nexis) 3 December (Final edition) b4
4. III.14.
  1957–
  
  Any of several popular dances in which participants imitate bird movements in a synchronized routine, typically performed to a lively tune or song; = chicken dance n. 1. Chiefly in to do the chicken.
  Cf. funky chicken n.
  1957
  Do the chicken.
  B. Emerson (title of song)
  1978
  We've had a series of dances whose names are almost invariably indicators of their strangeness—the Jitterbug..superseded by The Bop, The Chicken (and The Funky Chicken), The Philly Dog [etc.].
  Washington Post 10 October (Style section) b9/5
  1992
  Kampe went on to tell the guests at the dinner-dance to ‘get out and get your body moving and do the chicken’, which is just what they did.
  Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts) 19 August b4
  2012
  I'd rock around my room, doing the chicken, shaking my head, screaming my lungs out.
  D. Moss, Thirteen Ways looking at Man viii. 115
  dance
  society leisure dancing types of dance or dancing lively dances [nouns] others
  hove-dance1390–1483
  
  A ‘court dance’; apparently a particular dance of a lively character.
  tricotee1659–1701
  
  A lively kind of old dance. Obsolete.
  saltarello1724–
  
  A very animated Italian and Spanish dance for one couple in which there are numerous sudden skips or jumps. Also, the music for this, or a…
  écossaise1806–
  
  A lively dance popular in the early 19th cent., performed to music set in duple time.
  fling1806–
  
  A flinging about of the body or limbs. A dance in which the arms and legs are moved with great vigour, esp. in the Highland fling (also figurative)
  carmagnole1827–
  
  Name of a lively song and dance, popular among the French revolutionists in 1793.
  gallopade1831–
  
  A lively kind of dance, of Hungarian origin.
  gallopading1833–
  
  polka1837–
  
  A lively dance in 2/4 time for couples, popular esp. in the second quarter of the 19th cent.
  redowa1843–
  
  A Bohemian folk dance; a ballroom dance in 3/4 or 3/8 time based on this. Also: a piece of music intended to accompany such a dance.
  chicken dance1845–
  
  Any of several popular dances in which participants imitate bird movements in a synchronized routine, typically performed to a lively tune or song…
  polking1845–
  
  The action or practice of dancing the polka.
  schottische1849–
  
  A dance of foreign origin resembling the polka, first introduced in England in 1848. Also the music for such a dance.
  Highland or Balmoral Schottische1882–
  
  Highlandor Balmoral Schottische: a lively dance resembling the Highland fling. Military Schottische: a dance of American origin.
  kinkajou1927–
  
  A lively dance popular in the 1920s, similar to a foxtrot. Now historical and rare.
  knees up, Mother Brown1939–
  
  A light-hearted popular song beginning thus; a popular dance in which the knees are vigorously raised to the accompaniment of the song. So elliptical…
  chicken1957–
  
  Any of several popular dances in which participants imitate bird movements in a synchronized routine, typically performed to a lively tune or song; =…
  freaky-deaky1978–
  
  A disco dance, popular in the late 1970s, in which partners are in close proximity and move in a sexually provocative way. Cf. freak dance, n. 2.
  View in Historical Thesaurus

Phrases

P.1.

Proverbs and proverbial phrases.
1. P.1.a.
  1562–
  
  children and chicken should always be picking (also †eating) and variants: children and chickens should eat as much food as they like in order to grow rapidly. Now rare and regional.
  1562
  Yong children & chickens would euer be eating, good seruauntes looke duely for gentle entreating.
  T. Tusser, Hundreth Good Poyntes Husbandry (revised edition) f. 38
  1584
  Wherfore in youth especially while we are in growing, we should feede more largely, and nature it selfe doth as it appeareth in children. For (as it is saide) Children and chicken, would be alwaies picking.
  T. Cogan, Hauen of Health ccxiii. 195
  1742
  Those, who fondly attached to that weak, but prevailing Maxim.., viz. Children, like Chicken, are always a picking; make it a general Rule of Conduct..in giving whatever the Stomach seems to bear, and that as often as it can be received.
  J. Hurlock, Pract. Treat. Dentition viii. 169
  1929
  Children should always be allowed the food they want. ‘Children and chicken, Should always be picken.’
  Folk-lore vol. 40 123
  2018
  An elderly friend has a saying; ‘Children and chickens are always pickin’!
  @adoolan34 1 April in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
2. P.1.b.
  ?1570–
  
  don't count your chickens (before they are hatched) and variants: don't be too confident in anticipating success or good fortune before it is certain.
  ?1570
  Counte not thy Chickens that vnhatched be, Waye wordes as winde, till thou finde certaintee.
  T. Howell, Newe Sonets sig. C.ij
  1577
  But that you loue to tell your chickens before they be hatched, you neede not greatly to boast of your winnings.
  W. Fulke, Two Treat. against Papistes ii.ii. vii. 273
  1772
  We have only been counting our chickens, before they were hatch'd.
  J. Thompson, Double Discov. in Poems ii. iii. 232
  1871
  ‘Mother, five shillings a week is a regular fortune! I'll be able to give you a fine warm shawl at Christmas’... ‘Don't reckon your chickens before they are hatched’, said Mrs. Wilson.
  Quiver 11 March 366/2
  2014
  Don't want to count my chickens but it seems I've won May's fantasy football!
  @jhbroch 11 May in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
3. P.1.c.
  1810–
  
  curses, like chickens, come home to roost and variants: an unkind action will recoil unfavourably on the originator. Also allusively in the chickens come home to roost. Cf. to come home to roost at roost n.1 Phrases P.1d.
  Compare the following quotation, expressing a similar sentiment:
  c1405 (c1390)
  Swich cursynge wrongfully retorneth agayn to hym þat curseth, as a bryd that retorneth agayn to his owene nest.
  G. Chaucer, Parson's Tale (Ellesmere MS.) (1877) §620
  1810
  Curses are like young chicken, they always come home to roost.
  R. Southey, Curse of Kehama (title page)
  1900
  Their time will come later, when the Ministerial chickens come home to roost.
  Shields Daily Gazette 5 January (Second edition)
  1920
  Boycotts, like curses and chickens, come home to roost.
  Far Eastern Review August 392/2
  2018
  The chickens could really come home to roost as climate change deepens and droughts get more intense and more common.
  Advertiser (Australia) (Nexis) 24 October 18
  allusive
P.2.
1928–

Chiefly U.S. Politics. a chicken in every pot (and a car in every garage) and variants: enough food, wealth, etc., for the whole population to share or participate in the benefits; prosperity for everyone.
[The phrase a chicken in every pot originated as a paraphrase of a declaration famously attributed to Henry IV of France (see quot. 1830): Si Dieu me prête vie, je ferai qu'il n'y aura point de laboureur en mon royaume qui n'ait les moyens d'avoir le dimanche une poule dans son pot! ‘If God keeps me, I will make sure that no peasant in my realm will lack the means to have a chicken in his pot on Sundays!’ The idea was taken up by Herbert Hoover, who, as U.S. presidential candidate in 1928, said: ‘The slogan of progress is changing from the “full dinner pail” to the full garage’. This was paraphrased as a chicken in every pot and a car in every back yard (or garage) in election material for his campaign; see, e.g., quot. 1928.]
1. [1830
  The benevolent and amiable wish of Henry IV, that every peasant may have his chicken in his pot on Sunday.
  Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine April 564/2]
2. 1928
  A Chicken For Every Pot... Republican prosperity has reduced hours and increased earning capacity, silenced discontent, put the proverbial 'chicken in every pot.' And a car in every back yard, to boot.
  San Antonio (Texas) Light 19 October (Home edition) a10/1 (advertisement)
3. 1950
  While factories may produce payrolls sufficient to pay for a chicken in every pot, the pot will..be empty unless chicken farmers have the freedom..to continue raising chickens.
  E. Lipscomb, Grassroots Public Relations for Agriculture iv. 48
4. 1992
  What is happening in the cities..of Asia is more like the America of the Twenties..than anything else. ‘A car in every garage and a chicken in every pot’..sums up the current aspirations.
  Independent 20 April 17/6
5. 2018
  It's a chicken in every pot, a car in every garage;..free college for everybody; and well, ‘Make America great again!’..all rolled into one.
  Orange County (California) Reg. (Nexis) 1 April h1
United States politics U.S. English
P.3.
1836–

chicken of the sea: any of various types of fish known for their mild flavour.
A proprietary name.
1. 1836
  The whiting has been called the chicken of the sea, from its want of flavour; but its flesh is wholesome.
  Scenes of Commerce 97
2. 1929
  Halibut is the chicken of the sea. A tender and delicate fish.
  Daily Mail 27 August 7/6
3. 2005
  A..restaurant in the West Village, with a kitchen that smelt like a rock-pool, and a chef who somehow managed to make tuna actually taste like the chicken of the sea.
  D. Nicholls, Understudy 129
fish
the world food and drink food animals for food seafood [nouns] fish
fishOld English–

In popular language, any animal living exclusively in the water; primarily denoting vertebrate animals provided with fins and destitute of limbs…
meat fish1511–1774

Fish suitable for use as food (cf. meat, n. III.12); spec. (Scottish), fresh fish sold or distributed for immediate use as food.
dogfish1612–

The flesh of this shark as food.
cetaries1661

With plural agreement. Provisions of the nature of fish.
fishery1828–

collective. Fish of different kinds (nonce-use).
chicken of the sea1836–

chicken of the sea: any of various types of fish known for their mild flavour.
fish food1883–

(a) = fish, n.¹ 3; (b) the food eaten by fishes.
View in Historical Thesaurus
P.4.
1857–

chicken-and-(the-)egg: used as a modifier, designating the apparent paradox posed by the question ‘Which came first: the chicken or the egg?’, expressing the problem of determining which of two entities or events should be considered the cause and which the effect when each appears to depend on the prior existence of the other.
This particular example of the problem is first recorded in Plutarch (Quaestiones Conviviales 635 E ff.); cf. quot. 1603 at hen n.1 Phrases P.4. The relationship between actual and potential entities had previously been discussed by Aristotle (Metaphysics 1049 b).
Now more common than the earlier hen-and-(the)-egg at hen n.1 Phrases P.4.
1. 1857
  ‘All acorns come from oaks, and all oaks come from acorns’, like the chicken and egg problem quoted by ‘X. B.’, yet oaks will spring up where there are no acorns, and it is only where they come out of the ground, that their origin is any more obscure than a chicken originating spontaneously.
  Boston Investigator 18 November
2. 1967
  The chicken-and-egg attitude towards the home background of addicts.
  Guardian 24 February 8/5
3. 2018
  It's also a little bit of a chicken-and-egg situation, because the defence didn't help itself in the second half when it allowed the Riders offence to stay on the field.
  Calgary (Alberta) Herald (Nexis) 24 October b9
the world existence and causation causation [phrases] chicken-and-the-egg
hen-and-egg1855–

hen-and-(the)-egg: used as a modifier, designating the apparent paradox posed by the question ‘Which came first: the hen or the egg?’ (cf. quot…
chicken-and-(the-)egg1857–

chicken-and-(the-)egg: used as a modifier, designating the apparent paradox posed by the question ‘Which came first: the chicken or the egg?’…
View in Historical Thesaurus
P.5.
1887–

running around like a chicken with its head cut off (also like a chicken with no head) and variants: used to indicate frantic, unthinking, and often futile activity; = running around like a headless chicken at headless chicken n. 1.
1. 1887
  Some fulfillment came to this prophecy when one day the stuff went ricochetting around like a Spring chicken with its head cut off.
  New York Times 9 August 1/1
2. 1911
  Ken played or essayed to play right field for a while, but he ran around like a chicken with its head off, as a Travers player expressed it.
  Z. Grey, Young Pitcher ix. 96
3. 1943
  I have been running around like a chicken with its head off, but I feel that I have got something done.
  B. Bandel, Letter 16 May in S. J. Bugbee, Officer & Lady (2004) 103
4. 2001
  I was running around like a chicken with no head trying to get all my ‘crap’ together and get on the water.
  Kitesurf Magazine September 70
the world movement rate of motion swiftness swift movement in specific manner [intransitive verbs] move swiftly in specific manner move swiftly and violently rush around
scour1297–

intransitive. To move about hastily or energetically; esp. to range about in search of something, or in movements against a foe.
startlec1300–

intransitive. To rush, move swiftly; to dash about. Also: to caper, leap, skip. Now English regional (northern) and Scottish.
reelc1400–1791

Chiefly Scottish. intransitive. To rush or charge about; to behave in a wild, unruly, or violent manner; to rampage. Obsolete.
rammisha1540–

intransitive. To rush about in a frenzied state; to behave frantically.
gad1552–

intransitive. To run or leap about wildly. Since the 17th cent. spec. of a bovine animal: to rush about or leap in a frenzied manner, esp. when…
ramp1599–

intransitive. Also transitive with it. To bound, rush, or range about in a wild, lively, or excited manner. Usually with adverb.
fling1620

With adverbs, as away, forth, off, out, etc.
to run rounda1623–

intransitive. To go about hurriedly, frantically, or aimlessly; = to run around 1 at phrasal verbs 1.
rampage1791–

intransitive. To go about in an agitated, furious, or violent manner; to rush wildly here and there. Also in extended use. Usually with adverb.
to run around1822–

intransitive. To go about hurriedly; to go from one place or person to another (frequently with the implication of aimlessness or ineffectualness).
to rip and tear1846–

U.S. and British colloquial and regional. to rip and tear: to rage, to rave; to go raging (also around).
hella1864–

intransitive. To hurry, to rush (see hell for leather at hell, n. & int.phrases P.6.4). to hell around: to mess around; to behave in a…
running around like a chicken with its head cut off (also like a chicken with no head)1887–

running around like a chicken with its head cut off (also like a chicken with no head) and variants: used to indicate frantic, unthinking, and…
to haul ass1918–

colloquial (chiefly U.S.). to haul ass.
tear-arse1942–

(intransitive) to drive recklessly, rush around wildly and rowdily.
View in Historical Thesaurus
P.6.

to choke the chicken: see choke v. Additions.

Etymology

Summary

A word inherited from Germanic.

Cognate with East Frisian (Wangeroog) sjuuken, Middle Dutch kiken, kiekin, kieken, kūken, kuyken (Dutch kuiken, (regional: northern) kieken), Middle Low German kǖken, all in the sense ‘chick, younɡ bird, chicken’, of uncertain origin, probably ultimately imitative.

Compare in similar senses German Küken (18th cent., a borrowing from Low German), and with different suffixes German Küchlein, Old Icelandic kjúklingr, Swedish kjukling, Danish kylling.

Compare chick n.1

Notes

Ulterior etymology.

The relationship between the various Germanic words is unclear. The ending probably shows a diminutive-forming suffix (see -en suffix1). It has sometimes been suggested that the stem shows an ablaut variant (e-grade) of a putative Germanic base of cock n.1; however, it is probably more likely that it is imitative of the bird's chirp (and hence connected with cock n.1 & int. only to the extent that both words are probably of imitative origin).

Development in Old English.

In Old English a strong neuter (cīcen, plural cīcenu, (also) cīcen).

The phonological details of the word are not entirely clear, but it appears to reflect early West Saxon *cīecen, showing i-mutation of Germanic iu. Late Mercian cīken (with smoothing of the inherited diphthong) suggests that already in Old English the medial velar was not palatalized and assibilated (as would be expected before original ī of the diminutive suffix). The reason for this has not been adequately explained; it is perhaps the result of dissimilation from the regularly palatalized and assibilated initial consonant.

Development of the plural.

Uninflected plurals are occasionally attested in early Middle English (compare Old English nominative and accusative plural forms cīcen, cīcenu). Compare also the following later examples of chicken as a plural, although it can be difficult to determine in individual cases whether they are intended as a plural of chicken or chick (see discussion in etymology at chick n.1):

c1450
Educamen, a teme of checonn.
in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker, Anglo-Saxon & Old English Vocabulary (1884) vol. I. 579/39
1563
Cities in times paste (as we nowe) wonted to stampe in their coyne certaine Images. They of Delos or Athenes, an oxe. Moreouer the Athenians maydes, or night owles. The Corinthians chicken, The Peleponnesians snayles.
L. Humphrey, Nobles or of Nobilitye i. sig. e.iii
1684
I made them welcome, got the best I cou'd, A sucking Pig, two Chicken, Country food.
T. Creech, translation of Theocritus, Idylliums xiv. 75
1788
A great number of chicken, and other poultry, are killed by convulsive disorders.
J. Trusler, Habitable World Described vol. III. 227
1933
A flock of chicken, scared by the express, flew wildly from the track.
Nottingham Evening Post 29 December 1/6

The sporadic late survival of chicken as a plural may partly reflect analogy with the plurals of other animal names (as e.g. sheep n. with unchanged plural or ox n. with -en plural: oxen); its continued use in set phrases and proverbs is probably also partly motivated by rhyme (compare e.g. children and chicken should always be picking at Phrases P.1a).

Pronunciation

British English

/ˈtʃɪk(ᵻ)n/

CHICK-in

U.S. English

/ˈtʃɪkən/

CHICK-uhn

Pronunciation keys

Frequency

chicken is one of the 5,000 most common words in modern written English. It is similar in frequency to words like cloth, conceptual, gross, and schedule.

It typically occurs about 20 times per million words in modern written English.

Frequency of chicken, n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on a corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010. The Ngrams data has been cross-checked against frequency measures from other corpora, and re-analysed in order to handle homographs and other ambiguities.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	16
1760	2.9
1770	3.3
1780	3.5
1790	4.0
1800	4.0
1810	3.0
1820	3.6
1830	3.5
1840	3.4
1850	4.6
1860	5.6
1870	6.0
1880	6.3
1890	7.1
1900	8.9
1910	11
1920	11
1930	13
1940	16
1950	13
1960	12
1970	14
1980	18
1990	20
2000	19
2010	19

Frequency of chicken, n., 2017–2023

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Period	Frequency per million words
Oct.–Dec. 2017	26
Jan.–Mar. 2018	28
Apr.–June 2018	26
July–Sept. 2018	26
Oct.–Dec. 2018	24
Jan.–Mar. 2019	25
Apr.–June 2019	25
July–Sept. 2019	29
Oct.–Dec. 2019	25
Jan.–Mar. 2020	25
Apr.–June 2020	24
July–Sept. 2020	22
Oct.–Dec. 2020	23
Jan.–Mar. 2021	24
Apr.–June 2021	25
July–Sept. 2021	26
Oct.–Dec. 2021	23
Jan.–Mar. 2022	25
Apr.–June 2022	30
July–Sept. 2022	28
Oct.–Dec. 2022	28
Jan.–Mar. 2023	31

Compounds & derived words

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All compounds & derived words
Curated compounds

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chicken meat, n. Old English–

The flesh of a chicken as food.

chickenweed, n. c1300–

Common chickweed, Stellaria media. In early use also (usually with distinguishing word): †any of various other plants related to or thought to…

chick, n.¹ & int.² c1330–

The young of other kinds of birds; a nestling. Frequently with distinguishing word.

chicken bird, n. c1450–

(a) A chicken (chicken, n. I.1a); (b) (chiefly U.S. and New Zealand) any of various wild birds that resemble chickens in some way (cf. chicken, n…

chicken broth, n. c1540–

A broth made from chicken or chicken bones, esp. one valued for its restorative properties (cf. chicken soup, n.). Also: chicken stock.

chicken pie, n. 1584–

A baked dish of chicken (and usually vegetables and sauce) covered with pastry, typically also having a base and sides of pastry.

chicken heart, n. 1602–

A person lacking in courage or spirit; a coward.

hen and chickens, n. 1613–

A variety or form of a flowering plant, esp. the common daisy (Bellis perennis), in which multiple smaller flower heads grow from the edge of the…

chicken knot, n. 1615

Each of the chalazae of a chicken's egg.

chicken-hearted, adj. 1629–

Cowardly, faint-hearted. Cf. hen-hearted, adj.

chickenpox, n. 1658–

An acute infectious disease typically occurring during childhood and characterized by slight fever and an itchy rash, which is most extensive on the…

game chicken, n. 1674–

= game chick, n.; (also) a game fowl.

chicken-brained, adj. 1678–

Lacking in judgement or common sense; foolish, thoughtless. Cf. feather-brained, adj.

duck-chicken, n. 1678–

One hatched by a hen.

chicken water, n. 1684–

A soup made from chicken or chicken bones, esp. one valued for its restorative properties (cf. chicken soup, n.).

chicken skin, n. a1685–

Human skin that is covered with tiny, persistent, flesh-coloured or whitish papules, and is likened to the skin of a plucked chicken or to a…

chicken coop, n. 1687–

A coop or pen in which chickens are kept; a henhouse. Also in early use: a small cage or basket for carrying or keeping chickens.

chicken snake, n. 1698–

Any of several non-venomous, North American colubrid snakes, esp. rat snakes of the genus Pantherophis, which can feed on chickens and their eggs.

chicken breast, n. 1723–

A breast of chicken, eaten as food; meat from the breast of a chicken.

chicken liver, n. 1733–

The liver of a chicken, esp. as a foodstuff.

chicken pock, n. 1733–

An individual lesion of the rash of the disease chickenpox, consisting of a superficial vesicle. Also (in plural and formerly also in singular): the…

chicken soup, n. 1733–

A soup made with chicken; esp. a simple clear broth popularly considered as a remedy for all ailments or valued for its restorative properties (also…

chicken house, n. 1750–

A shed or building in which chickens are kept; a chicken coop. Cf. henhouse, n. 1.

chickenwort, n. 1762–

Common chickweed, Stellaria media.

spring chicken, n. 1765–

A small chicken, esp. one for eating; spec. a chicken of this type available in the spring.

chickenhawk, n. ?a1775–

Any of several raptors, esp. hawks of the genera Accipiter and Buteo, that kill chickens.

chicken-eater, n. 1775–1870

(a) The Mauritius kestrel, Falco punctatus, a falcon endemic to the forests of Mauritius; (b) U.S. the peregrine falcon, F. peregrinus.

friar's chicken, n. 1782–

‘Chicken-broth with eggs dropped in it’ (Jamieson).

chicken cavie, n. ?a1786–

A chicken coop.

chicken-pecked, adj. 1786–

Designating an adult (esp. a parent) who is ordered about by a child. Cf. henpecked, adj. A.1.

Pharaoh's chicken, n. 1799–

The Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus.

chickeny, adj. 1800–

Resembling, reminiscent of, or characteristic of chicken meat or a chicken; consisting of or flavoured with chicken.

chicken-livered, adj. 1804–

Cowardly, faint-hearted. Cf. chicken-hearted, adj.

chicken grape, n. 1807–

Any of several wild vines of North America, esp. Vitis vulpina and V. cordifolia; (also) the (typically small) fruit of such a vine.

chicken corn, n. a1817–

†(a) A variety of maize having small ears with yellow seeds (obsolete); †(b) wheat of an inferior grade or type (cf. hen corn, n.) (obsolete); (c)…

chicken-spirited, adj. 1822–

Timid, faint-hearted. Cf. chicken-hearted, adj.

chickenhood, n. 1823–

The state or condition of being a chicken or young bird; the early period of a bird's life. Cf. chickhood, n.

chicken thief, n. 1826–

A person who steals chickens.

prairie chicken, n. 1832–

Each of three large North American grouse constituting the genus Tympanuchus, found chiefly on the prairies and in sagebrush, the males of which are…

chicken fat, n. 1833–

Fat obtained from a chicken, usually rendered and clarified, and used esp. in cookery.

chicken feed, n. 1834–

literal. Food for chickens.

chicken fixings, n. 1837–

Originally: hash, stew, or fricassée in which chicken is the main ingredient. Later more generally: any chicken prepared as food, esp. fried or…

chicken-headed, adj. 1842–

Foolish, stupid.

chicken flesh, n. 1844–

A state of the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement, in which small bumps appear on the surface as the hairs become erect. Cf. gooseflesh, n. 2a.

chicken dance, n. 1845–

Any of several popular dances in which participants imitate bird movements in a synchronized routine, typically performed to a lively tune or song…

chicken gumbo, n. 1847–

A type of gumbo in which chicken is the main ingredient.

chicken pepper, n. 1849–

The kidneyleaf buttercup (or crowfoot) of North America, Ranunculus abortivus, which has very small flowers and seeds.

chicken factory, n. 1852–

A building where chickens are hatched in temperature-controlled conditions in large numbers; (in later use) spec. one where the chickens are confined…

chickenable, adj. 1853

Of an egg: capable of producing a chicken.

chicken stock, n. 1855–

Cooking stock made by cooking chicken or chicken bones slowly in water, used as a basis for the preparation of soup, gravy, sauces, etc.

chicken-toed, adj. 1859–

Having toes or feet that turn inwards; turning the toes or feet inwards. Cf. pigeon-toed, adj. 1.

moistened chicken, n. 1859

A person excessively afraid of incurring any discomfort.

chicken scratch, n. & adj. 1863–

Any of various substances intended to be scattered on the ground for chickens to scratch at and eat at as a supplement to their diet; spec. an…

chicken run, n. 1868–

An enclosure in which chickens may range freely.

headless chicken, n. 1870–

In similative phrases denoting frantic, unthinking, and often futile activity, esp. in running around like a headless chicken and variants.

chicken lobster, n. 1871–

A small or young lobster, now typically one weighing around half a kilogram (or just over a pound).

chicken supreme, n. 1873–

A dish consisting of the breast (with wing-bone attached) of a chicken served with a rich cream sauce. Cf. suprême de volaille, n., supreme of…

sage chicken, n. 1873–

= sage grouse.

chicken, adj. 1883–

Cowardly, afraid; spec. (in predicative use) designating the person who loses his or her nerve first in the game of ‘chicken’ (see chicken, n…

chicken wire, n. 1887–

Light wire netting with a hexagonal mesh.

meadow chicken, n. 1888–

Any of several North American rails, spec. the sora, Porzana carolina.

chicken noodle soup, n. 1889–

A soup made with chicken and noodles, sometimes popularly regarded as a remedy for all ailments or valued for its restorative properties. Cf. chicken…

chicken finger, n. 1900–

Usually in plural. A narrow strip of chicken meat, esp. from the breast, coated in breadcrumbs or batter and deep-fried, and typically served with a…

chicken brooding, n. 1902–

The incubation or hatching of chicks. Also as a modifier.

milk chicken, n. 1902–

A chicken that has been fed on milk and ground oats.

chickenhead, n. 1903–

colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Usually as two words or with hyphen. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. chicken-headed, adj.

chicken à la King, n. 1905–

A dish of cooked diced chicken breast served in a cream sauce with mushrooms, peppers, and (often) sherry.

chicken-fried, adj. 1914–

Originally U.S. regional (western). Dipped in flour or batter and deep-fried, in the manner of fried chicken. Esp. in chicken-fried steak.

chicken flu, n. 1918–

Respiratory disease affecting chickens, (in later use) spec. avian influenza; (also) any influenza virus originating in chickens; disease caused in…

chicken, v. 1931–

intransitive. Without out. To withdraw from an undertaking or activity because of fear or lack of courage; to fail to act on account of these.

chicken burger, n. 1933–

A burger made of minced chicken, usually fried or grilled and typically served in a bread roll.

chickenshit, adj. & n. 1934–

coarse slang (originally U.S. Military). Worthless, contemptible.

rubber chicken, n. 1941–

attributive, designating or relating to a speaking event (esp. for political or fund-raising purposes) at which poorly cooked food is typically…

chicken colonel, n. 1942–

A full colonel as distinct from a lieutenant colonel.

mountain chicken, n. 1944–

The South American bullfrog, Leptodactylus pentadactylus, a large terrestrial frog which is eaten as a delicacy in Dominica and Montserrat; (also) a…

chicken rice, n. 1950–

A dish originating in the Hainan province of China but also particularly popular in Singapore and Malaysia, consisting of boiled, roasted, or braised…

chicken tender, n. 1955–

Usually in plural. This cut of chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs or batter and deep-fried, and typically served with a dipping sauce. Also more…

coronation chicken, n. 1956–

A cold dish of cooked, usually diced chicken served in a sauce flavoured with apricots and curry spices (so named because the dish was originally…

chicken brick, n. 1966–

An earthenware pot with a deep base and lid, used for roasting a chicken in its own juices.

funky chicken, n. 1969–

A dance popular in the 1970s in which participants imitate the movements of a chicken.

chicken nugget, n. 1976–

A small piece of chicken, typically coated in breadcrumbs or batter and deep-fried, a number of which are usually eaten with accompaniments as a dish…

butter chicken, n. 1978–

An Indian dish consisting of pieces of chicken, usually cooked in a tandoor, served in a mild, creamy curry sauce.

turducken, n. 1982–

A poultry dish consisting of a boned chicken inside a boned duck which is in turn placed inside a (partially) boned turkey, along with seasoned…

C.1.
1. C.1.a.
  c1540–
  
  As a modifier, in the names of dishes or foodstuffs made from chicken, or of which the principal ingredient is chicken, as in chicken curry, chicken gravy, chicken salad, chicken sandwich, chicken sausage, etc.
  Recorded earliest in chicken broth n.
  See also chicken pie n. (first attested 1584), chicken water n. (1684), chicken soup n. (1733), chicken fixings n. (1837), chicken gumbo n. (1847), chicken stock n. (1855), chicken supreme n. (1873), chicken noodle soup n. (1889), chicken à la King n. (1893), chicken finger n. (1900), chicken burger n. (1933), chicken Kiev at Kiev n. I.1 (1938), chicken rice n. (1950), chicken nugget n. (1976).
  c1540
  These thynges may be amended with..chekyn broth, with due rest and slepe, and also with swete and odoryferous thynges.
  J. Drummond, translation of Arnaldus de Villa Nova, Def. of Age sig. A.iii^v
  1767
  Chicken Fricassee of different Manners.
  B. Clermont, translation of Menon, Art Modern Cookery Displayed vol. I. 191 (heading)
  1813
  Chicken Panado. Boil a chicken in..stock,.., mince the breast and legs very fine, then pound it in a mortar [etc.].
  J. Simpson, Complete Syst. Cookery (ed. 3) 671
  1814
  A chicken patty..2 10 [francs].
  L. Tronchet, Picture of Paris 126 (table)
  1848
  I will only say that your chicken gravy ought to resemble melted lard, as near as may be.
  New Eng. Offering July 78
  1853
  Choose, among..fine sucking pigs,..the most worthy of the culinary sacrifice. Draw it by the upper part;..and fill it with chicken sausages chopped small, the flesh of thrushes, ortolans, and pork.
  A. Soyer, Pantropheon xvi. 138
  1871
  Chicken curry... Mathee ka bajee and fennel curry with meat.
  Riddell's Indian Domestic Economy & Receipt Book (ed. 7) 417
  1903
  Chaw main, which costs 75 cents, is chicken chop suey, served on a bed of crisp vermicella.
  World (New York) 22 March (Metropolitan section) 4/5
  1929
  The village night-clubber who likes chicken sandwiches.
  Burlington (Iowa) Hawk-eye 18 August (Mid-West Progress edition)
  1932
  Chicken biriani.
  M. R. Anand, Curries 83 (heading)
  1977
  We ordered chicken fried rice..for the children to share.
  Washington Post 27 October dc 8/2
  2009
  What better dishes to eat in winter than a bowl of rich meatballs in tomato sauce or a garlicky chicken casserole?
  Times 21 November (Weekend Supplement) 15/1
2. C.1.b.
  1723–
  
  As a modifier, denoting a part of a chicken used as food, as in chicken wing, chicken leg, etc.
  Recorded earliest in chicken breast n. 1.
  See also chicken liver n. (first attested 1733), chicken meat n. 2 (1826), chicken fat n. (1833).
  1723
  Grate some fat Bacon, season it with Pepper, Salt, two Anchovies, some Cives and Parsley shred small; mix these together, and stuff the Chicken Breasts with it.
  J. Nott, Cook's & Confectioner's Dictionary sig. I4^v
  1767
  Hard boil'd eggs, With penny-rolls and chicken legs.
  T. Bridges, Homer Travestie (ed. 2) vol. II. 40
  1872
  The corpulent lady..who devours the chicken wings and three-fourths of the asparagus.
  Pall Mall Gazette 8 June 11/2
  2011
  It's difficult to end up with a flavourless, overcooked, shoe-leather dry chicken thigh.
  Ironwood (Michigan) Daily Globe 9 March 5/5
3. C.1.c.
  1830–
  
  As a modifier, denoting a shop, restaurant, or fast-food outlet which serves predominantly chicken, as in chicken shop, chicken restaurant, chicken takeaway.
  1830
  His father kept a chicken shop in the Poultry.
  Sporting Magazine December 119/1
  1903
  In connection with the farm a chicken restaurant will be operated at which poultry in all forms will be served to order.
  Bulletin (Linneus, Missouri) 11 November
  1986
  Just the biker bar and the chicken shop to pass before home.
  New York Times 6 April 28/6
  2018
  There's nothing that makes you feel like some sort of millionaire than telling the lady at the chicken takeaway that she can keep the penny change!
  @fangirlsince_88 23 November in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive)
C.2.
1610–

General use in various types of compound relating to the rearing, keeping, or selling of chickens, as in chicken farm, chicken farmer, chicken farming, chicken merchant, chicken raising, chicken rearer.
See also chicken coop n. (first attested 1687), chicken house n. (1750), chicken cavie n. (?a1786), chicken thief n. (1852), chicken feed n. 2 (1843), chicken factory n. (1852), chicken run n. (1868), chicken wire n. (1887), chicken brooding n. (1902).
1. 1610
  He that kept them was called Pullarius, the chickin-keeper.
  J. Healey, translation of J. L. Vives in translation of St. Augustine, Citie of God iii. xxi. 140
2. 1832
  Young Nick, the chicken-merchant.
  Edinburgh Review vol. 55 490
3. 1872
  The instructions..if conscientiously observed, will result in much pleasure as well as profit to the chicken-farmer.
  Derby Mercury 28 February 6/1
4. 1887
  The worst of chicken farming here is, that in the summer there is a glut of eggs, about 6d a dozen.
  I. Randall, Lady's Ranche Life in Montana 56
5. 1891
  Another industry that could be well pushed into greater prominence is chicken raising.
  Pall Mall Gazette 1 April 3/3
6. 1895
  Wilson..owned a prosperous chicken farm.
  Outing vol. 26 452/1
7. 1895
  Silver medals were accorded..for the chicken rearer..and..a wheel-barrow fowl house.
  Daily News 9 October 6/7
8. 1922
  When the chicken farmer starts his incubators, his worries begin. He must keep them at a uniform temperature every minute..of every day for twenty-one days.
  McClure's Magazine May 80/1
9. 2015
  Avian flu..has ravaged egg farms around the country, forcing chicken farmers to kill entire flocks.
  Washington Post (Nexis) 10 September
C.3.
1602–

General use in various types of compound alluding to the supposed foolish or cowardly character of a chicken, as in chicken-minded, etc.
Recorded earliest in chicken heart n. (first attested 1602).
See also chicken-hearted adj. (1629), chicken-brained adj. (1678), chicken-livered adj. (1804), chicken-spirited adj. (1822), chicken-headed adj. (1842), chickenhead n. (1903), chicken liver n. 2 (1930), chickenshit adj. A.3 (1940), chicken run n. 2 (1976), chicken run n. 3 (1995).
1. 1602
  Such Chicken-heartes (and yet great quarrellers).
  T. Dekker, Blurt Master-Constable sig. C4
2. 1629
  As red hayre on a man is a signe of trechery, what tis in a woman, let the sweet musique of rime inspire vs; a soft hayre chicken-hearted; a harsh hayre churlish natur'd; a flaxen hayre foolish brain'd.
  G. Chapman, translation of Funerall Oration in Iustification Nero 6
3. 1842
  Was the prize in sight, or were you too chicken-headed to look?
  J. F. Cooper, Two Admirals vol. II. xi. 166
4. 1917
  The urge of this chicken-minded youngster is simply vanity.
  Saturday Evening Post 21 April 121/2
5. 2004
  You could forget that you're a big-boned, sort of shy chokester surrounded by chicken-headed girls and just assume..that you have style, grace and nerves of steel.
  Chronicle-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) 23 October b8/2
C.4.

General use in various types of compound alluding to the physical appearance of a chicken or its flesh.
See chicken skin n. (first attested a1685), chicken glove n. (1762), chicken-breasted adj. (1773 at chicken-breasted adj.), chicken flesh n. (1844), chicken dance n. (1845), chicken-toed adj. (1859), chicken colonel n. (1942).
C.5.

As a modifier, forming compounds in which the second element is considered small in size or unimportant.
See chicken hazard n. ( first attested 1781), chicken stake n. (1785), chickenshit n. B.1 (1929), chicken scratch n. A.2b (1985).
C.6.

General use in various types of compound in the names of plants and animals.
1. chicken bird, n. c1450–
  
  (a) A chicken (chicken, n. I.1a); (b) (chiefly U.S. and New Zealand) any of various wild birds that resemble chickens in some way (cf. chicken, n…
1. chicken snake, n. 1698–
  
  Any of several non-venomous, North American colubrid snakes, esp. rat snakes of the genus Pantherophis, which can feed on chickens and their eggs.
1. chickenwort, n. 1762–
  
  Common chickweed, Stellaria media.
1. chicken-eater, n. 1775–1870
  
  (a) The Mauritius kestrel, Falco punctatus, a falcon endemic to the forests of Mauritius; (b) U.S. the peregrine falcon, F. peregrinus.
1. chicken grape, n. 1807–
  
  Any of several wild vines of North America, esp. Vitis vulpina and V. cordifolia; (also) the (typically small) fruit of such a vine.
1. chicken corn, n. a1817–
  
  †(a) A variety of maize having small ears with yellow seeds (obsolete); †(b) wheat of an inferior grade or type (cf. hen corn, n.) (obsolete); (c)…
1. chicken pepper, n. 1849–
  
  The kidneyleaf buttercup (or crowfoot) of North America, Ranunculus abortivus, which has very small flowers and seeds.
1. chicken lobster, n. 1871–
  
  A small or young lobster, now typically one weighing around half a kilogram (or just over a pound).
C.7.

Other uses.
See also chicken cholera at cholera n. 5.
1. chicken knot, n. 1615
  
  Each of the chalazae of a chicken's egg.
1. chicken flu, n. 1918–
  
  Respiratory disease affecting chickens, (in later use) spec. avian influenza; (also) any influenza virus originating in chickens; disease caused in…

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What does the noun chicken mean?

How common is the noun chicken?

How is the noun chicken pronounced?

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1.

2. N.E.D. (1889) also records forms

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Frequency of chicken, n., 1750–2010

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